Flutes
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Music, Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians, Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: United States
Article abstract: Flutes were played in many American Indian cultures, usually by shamans and participants in ceremonies
Flutes, rattles, and hand drums are the oldest and most widespread musical instruments in the New World, and they were probably derived from Old World paleolithic prototypes. The flute and similar wind instruments such as pan-pipes and ocarinas were commonly revered by shamans and curers as sacred instruments for contacting the spirit world, in many cases literally manifesting the “voice” of the spirits.
Though flutes were widespread...
[The entire page is 331 words long]
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