Hearing Native flutes always bring back memories of my mother's kitchen where she often had flute music playing to create a tranquil environment in her home. The soothing flute music revives the soul and produces a calming affect on the spirit of all who listen.



If you take a look at the history of Indian musical instruments, you will see that along with the drum, the flute plays a meaningful role in the daily lives, ceremonies and cultures of many Indian people. Native American flute music takes you on a spiritual journey where generations look to their ancestors to lead them, and use their instruments to connect them with the Great Spirit.

Flutes of various kinds have been around for centuries and have been part of many Indigenous Tribes around the world. The study of flute instruments in history shows us that they did exist in ancient cultures.

The origin and design of the Native American flute is a little harder to trace due to the fact that North American Tribes did not have written languages. It wasn't until travelers documented their travels and findings, that record of the Native American flute is noted.

You can't take in the true worth of Native flute music until you see that society came close to destroying this incredible art with rigid assimilation rules. The 1900's brought with it tough rules for Native Americans that almost succeeded to suffocate their culture and people.

Along with many other Native Indian traditions, these rules strangled the advancement of Native flute music. It wasn't until the middle of the century that assimilation laws started to change and Native traditions were able to be practiced within the Tribe and in public once again.

Over time, the regard for the Native American flute grew to the point that flute makers began generating these instruments in large numbers to sell, and not just for personal use. The materials used to make the flutes also shifted from undeveloped crude instruments to more sophisticated, with the use of modern power tools and the ability to find different kinds of woods, plastics and metals.

These days, there are many options available when deciding on a Native style flute, and it is just a matter of personal preference. There are a few recommendations you should keep in mind though when choosing an instrument.

There are numerous types of flutes, but all have one of two different sound styles. The sound quality of the flute depends on whether it is a Plains style or a Woodlands style. A Plains style flute will produce a buzz type sound while a Woodlands style produces a bell tone.

No matter which sound style of flute you choose, it is essential to look over the quality and characteristics of that individual instrument, including the mouthpiece, size, shape and number of holes, in order to choose one that is right for you. Native American flutes also come in many different types of wood ranging from lavish, rather pricey woods, to basic pieces of pine, cane or bamboo.

Thanks to the widespread interest in flute music, you can conveniently buy Native American flutes online, in some music stores, and in decor shops that sell Indian musical instruments and southwestern home decorating accessories.

If you are searching for a simple instrument to learn to play, or are searching for real Indian musical instruments for playing in Indian powwows and ceremonies, consider keeping the beautiful customs and instruments of Indian people alive with the tranquil tones of Native American flutes.