Measuring 18 5/8" in length with a 3/4" sound chamber bore, this 6 holed, Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) unsplit branch flute, has been accurately tuned and sweetly voiced to
an A minor pentatonic scale, playing three upper octave notes.  Much of the bark has been left on, though carved down at the tone holes so as to decrease the thickness of the bore wall there, exposing the beauty of the wood grain.  Crushed turquoise has been inlaid into a few knot  holes and deer lacing with turquoise, horn bone and brass beads holds the bird to the nest.  To help prevent wet-out, the bird has been fitted with a redwood shoe for it's moisture absorption qualities, and a drain hole, covered by the deer lacing, has been designed into the bottom of the air chamber. The branch for this flute was gathered sustainably, with respect and gratitude, along San Marcos Creek, in San Diego County, CA, amongst a wild grove of Arroyo Willow trees.   California Indians found many uses for the wonderful willow tree, including bows, baskets, shelters, clothing, fish traps and medicines derived from salicin in the willow's bark, the original aspirin.