The Oldest Flute is a bear bone Neanderthal flute. (65,000 BCE).
The next oldest finds are bone flutes found in a cave in Germany. (45,000 BCE).
It is logical that bamboo, reed, or cane flutes existed before these, but did not survive.
These were edge-blown vertical flute like the Shakuhachi and modern Ancient Pueblo flutes.
Many cultures around the Earth have a history with edge-blown or rim-blown vertical flutes.
Shakuhachi are the bamboo Zen flutes which evolved in Japan.
They originated in China and have a long and obscure history.
They are an extremely expressive and also challenging wind instrument.
The length determines the key: 1.8 is Dm, 2.0 is Cm, and 2.4 is Am, etc.
Shakuhachi Jiari have Ji paste which lines the bore and makes it smooth.
Shakuhachi Jinashi are natural bore shakuhachi without JI paste lining the bore.
Some Jinashi have an inlaid blowing edge and some do not.
Ancient Pueblo Flutes are patterned on some 1,300 year old flutes
found in 'Broken Flute' cave in Arizona...
The original flutes are really ancient Pueblo flutes...
These flutes are also referred to as Kokopelli flutes,
after the enigmatic flute player of the southwestern USA hieroglyphs...
The modern Ancient Pueblo flutes represent the 'scale' of the relics,
however are made of hardwood by modern machinery
and have a root note tuned to a western musical note...
The originals were most likely blown at an angle like the Turkish Ney flute,
while the modern blowing edge is more like a Shakuhachi...
Native American Flutes
(made by an American Indian) and
Native American Style Flutes
(made by someone who is not an official tribe member)
are a unique two chamber flute developed only in North America.
The air is blown into one chamber,
then directed through a channel at the top of the flute
which is covered with a totem and directed to a fipple
at the start of the second chamber which contains the tone holes.
They have a unique natural sound
and the wood also contributes to the tonal quality.
They are easy to get sound from by beginners
and yet responsive enough to provide
a lifetime of growth, adventure, and joy.
Shakuhachi 1.8 Jiari
Made by Hougetsu (Peak Moon)
2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 Bamboo Jinashi Shakuhachi.
Made by Perry Yung
Ancient Pueblo made by Geoffrey Ellis {A} : Earth Tone Flutes.
Made from Curly Redwood.
Ancient Pueblo by Coyote Oldman {G#/Ab}
Coyote Oldman Flutes
Native American Flute made by Larry Semon
from Turkey Creek Arizona
