Most of the bark has been left on this 6 holed unsplit Elderberry branch flute, though well preserved and sealed to prevent bark separation.  Measuring 15" in length, with four tuning holes, it is sweetly voiced and accurately tuned to a high d# minor pentatonic scale, able to play 4 upper octave notes.  Crushed malachite has been inlaid into all the knots. To aid against wet-out (the build-up of breath condensation that can clog the windway of the flute) the bird has been fitted with a redwood heartwood shoe, for its absorption qualities, and a drain hole has been designed into the air chamber.  Elk lacing with malachite and brass beads holds the bird to the nest, while covering the drain hole. The branch for this flute was gathered in a good way, with respect and love,
at the beautiful Descanso Gardens.