Use Native American Flutes In Powwows And Indian Ceremonies.

Native American flutes are enjoyed and played in many cultures around the world. I have always appreciated Native flute music for its beautiful sound quality and ability to bring a peaceful calm to the ambiance where it is played. Hearing Native flutes always take me back to my mother's kitchen where she often played flute music to create a tranquil environment in her home. Soothing flute music revives and calms the soul. If you look at the history of Indian musical instruments, you will find that like the drum, the flute has a significant role in the daily lives, ceremonies and traditions of many Indigenous Tribes. Native American flute music takes you on a cultural journey where descendants look to their forefathers for guidance, and use their instruments to unite them with the spiritual world. 

Flutes in one form or another have existed for hundreds of years and have been part of many Tribes around the world. The study of flute instruments in historical times shows us that they did exist in ancient Tribes. The origin and design of the Native American flute is a little harder to trace due to the fact that no North American Tribe had a written language to keep record. It wasn't until explorers documented their journeys, that the Native American flute is reported. You can't appreciate the true value of Native flute music until you realize that men came close to crushing this beautiful art with rigorous assimilation rules. The 1900's brought with it tough rules for Native Americans that tried to squelch their culture and people. Along with many other Native customs, these rules greatly affected the dispersion of Native flute music. It wasn't until the mid-1900's that assimilation laws started to change and Native customs were able to be exercised within the Tribe and in public once again. 

Throughout the years, the popularity of the Native American flute flourished to the extent that flute makers began making these instruments in large numbers to sell, and not just for individual use. The materials used to make the flutes also shifted from rustic and primitive to more improved with the use of modern power tools and the greater accessibility to various types of woods, plastics and metals. These days, there are various options available when choosing a Native style flute, and it is just a matter of personal opinion. There are a few guidelines you should keep in mind though when buying an instrument. There are many different types of flutes, but all have one of two different sound tones. The sound style of the flute depends on whether it is a Plains style or a Woodlands style. A Plains style flute produces a buzzing type sound while a Woodlands style produces a bell tone. No matter which type of flute you purchase, it is important to look over the characteristics of that individual instrument, including the mouthpiece, size, shape and number of holes, in order to buy one that fits your needs. 

Native American flutes are also fashioned from a variety of woods ranging from exotic, rather pricey woods, to simple pieces of pine, cane or bamboo. Because of the widespread popularity of flute music, you can easily buy Native American flutes online, in various music stores, and in specialty shops that sell Indian musical instruments and southwestern home decorating accessories. If you are searching for an easy instrument to learn to play, or are looking for authentic Indian musical instruments for use in Native rituals and powwows, consider keeping the culture and music of Indigenous people alive with Native American flutes.

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