Measuring 18 1/2" in length, with four tuning/direction holes, this unsplit Peppertree (Shinus molle) branch flute is clearly and sweetly tuned to a high Dm pentatonic scale, modes 1&4, playing 3 upper register notes.  Much of the beautiful bark has been left on, well sealed to insure its continued adherence to the wood, sanded down at the tone holes exposing the finely finished wood grain.  All knot holes have been inlaid with crushed Malachite.  Elk lacing with Malachite and gold-plated brass beads secures the bird to its nest.  To help prevent wetout, the bird has been fitted with a redwood shoe, and a drain hole, covered by the lacing, has been designed into the air chamber.  The branch for this flute was gathered sustainably, with respect and prayer, from a tree that grows within the San Marcos Creek watershed of California.  

Shamanic use of Peppertree:  Brought to Mexico hundreds of years ago by the Spaniards from South America, 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.