California Peppertree Branch Flute in B
sound sample of this flute
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 The
wonderful
bark characteristics, from the rougher outer
layer to the beautiful chocolate colored inner layer
contrasts nicely
with the exposed wood grain on this very unique Peppertree
(Shinus
molle)
branch flute. How in the world did the bore get
through this
unsplit, curved branch? One "secret" is that
Peppertree shrinks
significantly when drying. By boring it out green a
bigger
diameter is possible than if the wood had been dry.
Measuring
16 3/4" in length (with four tuning holes)
and concert
tuned to a B minor
pentatonic, modes 1 & 4, it plays 4 upper octave
notes.
The whole flute is finely finished and all knot holes or
crevices have
been inlaid
with crushed malachite. Elk lacing
with malachite and amber beads holds the bird to the
nest. The
branch for this flute was gathered from a tree that grows
where the
flute was made, at the Nottingham
Center
for the Arts.
Interesting shamanic use of Peppertree: Brought to Mexico by the Spaniards from South America hundreds of years ago, Peppertree now grows abundantly in the wild there, where it is known by the name of "pirul", also naturalizing throughout the American Southwest. It has become an important part of Mexican traditional medicine, as its branches are used to "sweep" a person's body and thus "cast away all bad luck" and the "evil eye". This ceremony, called "una barrida con pirul" is common practice in many rural communities in Mexico today. SOLD price includes U.S. shipping cost, "How to Play and Care For Your Dryad Flute" booklet, a lined felt drawstring flute bag and a quality guarantee. Home Page About Dryad Flutes On The Marsh Under the Oaks Butterfly Blue Schedule Living Lightly Available Flutes Gallery Quality Testimonials Green Branches |