A dragon spirit in this flute?


















                                

                                                                                

                                                                                                                            


Clearly and soulfully tuned to an Fm (A=440) pentatonic scale, modes 1 & 4, playing three upper register notes, this Tree Tobacco ( Nicotiana glauca ) Prayer Flute, as with all Dryad Flutes, was bored out unsplit, maintaining her natural appearance and strength with the integrity of her growth rings left intact.  Some bark has been removed on the top of the flute, around the finger holes, contrasting the finely finished wood with the wonderful character of the bark.  With the bark removal, is that a dragon spirit in the flute that made herself known?  This branch flute measures 21 1/4" in length.  11 of the her knots have been beautifully inlaid with crushed abalone shell, as seen in the photos.  Elk lacing, with abalone and wood beads lends its spirit and strength to secure the bird to her nest. To help prevent wetout, the bird has been fitted with a cedar shoe.  A drain hole, covered by the lacing, has been designed into the air chamber.  The flute has been well sealed, inside and out, so that neither of the alkaloids in Nicotiana glauca (nicotine and anabasine) come into contact with the player.   

Tree Tobacco is a species of wild tobacco native to South America that can grow to the size of a small tree.  It has naturalized to other parts of the world, including here in Southern California where the Cahuilla Indians used its leaves "interchangeably with other tobacco species in hunting rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands." (source)  Various types of tobacco have been used traditionally in native cultures throughout the Americas as offerings to the spirits, for planting, for gathering food, for healings and for the Native American Pipe Ceremony. (source)

The Tree Tobacco used for this flute was gathered with respect and gratitude from an area slated for development, shortly before the bulldozers would have plowed it under.  Her life continues now as a spirit filled flute, especially suited for prayerful, healing intentions. 

Home Page   Dryad   Vision    Available Flutes    Gallery    Quality    Testimonials  
Green Branches    On The Marsh   Under the Oaks    Butterfly Blue   Schedule    Living Lightly  


All Karmic Laws Applicable
All Natural Rights Reserved
© 2017 Jon Sherman