- Hornbostel-Sachs
- 421.121.12
- Family
- Wind
- Origin
- Plains and Southwest, North America
- Materials
- cedarwalnutcherry woodsinew
About
The Native American flute is a two-chambered, end-blown flute — unique in world organology for its internal block (or 'bird') that directs the player's breath against a sharp edge to create sound. The two air chambers are separated by an external tie-down block; breath passes through the first chamber, exits through a hole in the wood under the external block, and is directed into the second (sounding) chamber. The result is a haunting, breathy tone that does not require complex embouchure. Traditionally associated with courtship on the Plains and in the Southwest, the flute was played by young men outside a woman's tipi or home. Materials include cedar, walnut, cherry, and other woods; decoration may include beadwork, carving, and feathers. R. Carlos Nakai is credited with the modern revival and popularisation of this instrument internationally.