The Cherokee People, of the Southeastern Woodlands, often speak of this instrument as a gift from Woodpecker, while certain tribes of the arid Southwest credit Kokopelli, the humpbacked flute-player, with having brought this wonderful magic stick to the People. In the Great Plains region, it is historically referred to by the Lakota and Cheyenne people, as the “love” flute, as young men and women relied upon its charm and magic during courtship. Regardless of who brought the first flute to the People, we are all most certainly grateful for its gift!
The traditional end-blown, two-chambered flute, with either five or six holes, is believed by many musicologists to be the same style that was made and most favored by native peoples throughout the Southeast, prior to European or African contact. Sometimes made with only two holes, these flutes were often used to cast spells and confuse opponents during the intense stickball games, known as "the Little Brother of War", commonly held between the indigenous tribes of the Southeastern Woodlands.
Rivercane and Bamboo
My flutes are made from either a type of wild, indigenous grass, known as rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea), or from black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra), its East Asian cousin.
Known as "i-hy'a" in the Cherokee language, rivercane provided indigenous peoples in the region with an important resource for making baskets, blowguns, flutes, arrows, spears, and much more. Rivercane grass once prospered along the banks of nearly every waterway throughout the Southeastern United States. Today it is much less common due to agriculture and commercial development along creeks and streams.
Rivercane is often confused with its closest grass relative, bamboo, which was most likely brought to the Americas by the first Asian immigrants. Black bamboo is a favorite garden ornamental in China and Japan, and can easily grow up to a height of thirty feet with a diameter of up to two inches. It is often used in flute making because of its natural beauty. I enjoy working with Black Bamboo because it is highly resistant to cracking and it shows a wonderful durability over time.
Rivercane stalks are harvested carefully and respectfully, in the cold of Winter, to protect the remaining cane brakes throughout the South. Both rivercane and bamboo are best cut in February, in order to allow them to cure properly. It is best if each piece can dry for several months before being crafted into flutes.
"Recently, I was gifted with one of your wonderful B-key double flutes. I was moved to tears when my fiance gifted it. I am inspired with its quality and mysticism." - Kristo
Caring for your Flute
As with all cherished musical instruments, it is always best to avoid storing your flute in sunny or in extremely hot locations for long periods of time. It is best to store them away from ALL pets and ALL small children – they may not treat it as carefully, as it needs to be treated! You may wish to apply a small amount of Walnut oil over the entire flute if you are concerned that your flute may be drying out too much. Walnut oil is nontoxic and can be purchased at many grocery stores and most Health Food Stores. Walnut oil cannot hurt your flute, so if in doubt, apply some. The advice provided above will help prevent your flute from cracking and will allow your flute to live a long, musical life.
The "bird", which is tied down with a piece of tanned leather, should sit directly over the "nest" and the first "egg" (the first hole, which is the one closest to the end you will be breathing into). It is important that the "bird" be tied down tightly, and that it sits directly on top of that first hole. The second hole (from the end you are blowing into) should be easy to see and uncovered. If you should happen to lose your bird, notify me - it is pretty easy to make a new one, and the cost of replacing it will be nominal.
Learning to Play your Flute
When first beginning to play, cover all of the play holes (the five holes farthest from the end you are blowing into) with your fingers and gently breathe into the end of the flute. Slowly you can release one finger at a time, starting at the end farthest away from the end you are breathing into. There is lots more to it that that, but for now, begin with that. Practice, patience, and time will, no doubt, result in beautiful music escaping from your flute!
May I recommend the wonderfully complete, user-friendly book, “Flute Magic", for both beginners and advanced students. Written by Tim Crawford. Tim's book can be found on the internet, by typing in the key words "Flute Magic".
"I have been enjoying both the rivercane flute I ordered and your new CD, "Drifting Away". Both are very well done! The drone flute is a pleasure to play and it works really well." - Frankie
The Flute Maker
All flutes are personally handcrafted by me - Hawk Hurst. I have been creating, playing, and teaching others how to craft rivercane flutes since 1989. Originally self-taught, I consider myself fortunate to have studied with some of the finest flute makers across the country, including Eddie Bushyhead, Orea Van Doren, and the late Bob Two Hawks. I am continually humbled by how much I continue to learn from each flute I create.
Decorating the Flutes
Using only fire, each flute is distinctly decorated and designed according to my own artistic inspiration. This allows the making of each flute to be completely unique and individualized. If, however, you have a preference in how your flute will look, you are welcome to choose from one of the four options listed below. See the photos below, for examples: 1) Spider Webbing (as depicted in the Kokopelli Drone Flute photograph). 2) Leopard Spots (as depicted in the first photograph of the Wind Song Love Flute). 3) Tan or light brown (as depicted in the second photograph of the Wind Song Love Flute). 4) Dark, almost black (no picture available, but very attractive).
"I received the flutes you made this morning and I must say, they are nice... very, very nice. They sound remarkable and are easily comparable to those that I have, which were 7 times the price - absolutely grand! There is something about the feel of the cane - the charred look and smell that somehow makes you think about the "old craftsfolk," that accomplished amazing things without all the glorious gizmos of today." - Ron from Florida
Kokopelli-Drone Flute
To see a larger photo, click on the photos below.
"KOKOPELLI-DRONE FLUTE"
To hear this flute in a music sample from Buffalo Dreaming CD by Hawk Hurst, click on the "Q" icon above.
A traditional end-blown, two-chambered flute, (pentatonic scale) with five holes, but with another flute, in the same key attached. When blown from the end, the two flutes, which are connected together, create a haunting resonance. Just as easy to play as the single, Wind Song Love Flutes (see below). This is a contemporary idea, in regards to Native American-style flutes, but drone flutes similar in nature can be found throughout Africa, India, and the Middle East. Each flute is uniquely decorated, using only fire to create patterns and designs on the outer shell of the bamboo or cane. I first received the inspiration to make this style of flute from my friend, Orea Van Doren, a talented flute-maker and bagpipe player of shared Cherokee and Scottish descent.
Rivercane Kokopelli Drone Flute: available in the keys of “high C” and “B” Price: $90.
Black Bamboo Kokopelli Drone Flute: available deep toned – no key preference Price: $100.
"These flutes are a unique gift, but they also make a great personal keepsake. Thanks!" - Becky
Windsong Love Flute
To see a larger photo, click on the photos below.
"WINDSONG LOVE FLUTE"
To hear this flute in a music sample from Magic Garden CD by Sapien, featuring Hawk Hurst, click on the "Q" icon above.
"WINDSONG LOVE FLUTE"
To hear this flute in a music sample from Buffalo Dreaming CD by Hawk Hurst, click on the "Q" icon above.
This traditional, five-hole style flute, blown from the end, was (and still is) most commonly found among indigenous people throughout the southeastern, United States. Keyed in the pentatonic scale. This type of flute is easy to learn to play and is very similar to a recorder. Flutes smaller in diameter will tend to be more easily heard across greater distances and will have higher tones (B, B#, high C) and will always be made of Rivercane. Flutes larger in diameter will tend to be quieter and have deeper tones (F, G, A) and will be made from either Rivercane (if there are large enough diameter pieces available) and or from Black Bamboo. Available materials will determine if your flute is made from rivercane or from black bamboo. Each flute is uniquely decorated, using only fire to create patterns and designs on the outer shell of the bamboo or cane. I was first inspired to make this style of flute from listening to the magic flute playing of my good friend and mentor, Snowbear Taylor, as well as, the late, Robert Two Hawks - an incredible flute maker and musician.
Wind Song Love Flute - high toned: available in Rivercane in the keys of “high C” and “B” Price: $60.
Wind Song Love Flute - deep toned: available in Rivercane OR Black Bamboo (keys of “F”, “G”, “A” Price: $70.
Southeastern Stickball Flute
Made with only two holes in the pentatonic scale, these flutes were often used to confuse opponents during the intense stickball games, known as "the Little Brother of War", commonly held between the indigenous tribes of the Southeastern Woodlands. They have a beautiful, melodic sound when played softly, but when overblown can step up into a second octave, creating a wider range of notes. Each flute is uniquely decorated, using only fire to create patterns and designs on the outer shell of the bamboo or cane. I first received the inspiration to make this style of flute from my friend, Orea Van Doren. This style can be made as either a single, or as a drone (see description of the Kokopelli Drone above). NO PREFERENCE OF KEY!
Southeastern Stickball Flute: available in Rivercane Price: $25.
Southeastern Stickball DRONE Flute: available in Rivercane Price: $40.
Flute Order Information
Please be sure to indicate, by the name of each flute, exactly which type you are ordering: Rivercane Kokopelli Drone – high toned: $90. Black Bamboo Kokopelli Drone – deep toned: $100. Wind Song Love Flute – high toned: $60. Wind Song Love Flute – deep toned: $70. Southeastern Stickball: $25. Southeastern Stickball Drone: $40.
PLEASE NOTE: All flutes are guaranteed to arrive free of defects and will be replaced at no additional cost, minus shipping and handling fees. If you should ever have any questions in regard to caring for and/or playing your flute, e-mail inquiries will be answered in a timely manner. Customer satisfaction is always a priority!
Upon receiving your order, I will personally craft for you a professional quality flute that is beautifully decorated, but most important, I will create a flute that will be tuned to itself, meaning it will sound great when played by itself, or with drums and other percussion instruments.
Please indicate, when e-mailing, mailing, or calling in your order if you have a strong preference: 1) how your flute will be decorated (see above) 2) if you have a strong perference what key your flute will be in.
Please remember, what key your flute is in, is really only important if you plan to play your flute along with another flute player and you know what key their flute is in, OR if you wish to play with a guitarist or pianist, for example, and your flute must be keyed to their instruments, OR if you just happen to want a flute to be in a certain key.
You may wish to e-mail or phone first, to verify that I have the correct size (diameter) rivercane or black bamboo on hand to accommodate your order.
TO ORDER: Please submit a check or money order for the full amount, plus $15, per flute, to cover the cost of shipping and insurance. You may also submit payment using PayPal (see directly below the picture of each flute).
International Flute Orders - Click the "Add to Cart" button on the upper left side of this page, to add $20 for International Shipping.
It is great to receive your order by e-mail, in advance of your payment arriving, because then I can get started on you order. Be sure and enclose your address, phone number, and e-mail address in both e-mails and when submitting your payment. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. I prefer to contact all customers, prior to shipping the flute/s, preferably by e-mail, to notify you when your flute should be arriving. If you have any questions, please Contact Hawk.
Bookings & Orders
Hawk Hurst
16 Halsey Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-2821 E-MAIL
As with all cherished musical instruments, it is always best to avoid storing your flute in sunny or in extremely hot locations for long periods of time. It is best to store them away from ALL pets and ALL small children – they may not treat it as carefully, as it needs to be treated! You may wish to apply a small amount of Walnut oil over the entire flute if you are concerned that your flute may be drying out too much. Walnut oil is nontoxic and can be purchased at many grocery stores and most Health Food Stores. Walnut oil cannot hurt your flute, so if in doubt, apply some. The advice provided above will help prevent your flute from cracking and will allow your flute to live a long, musical life.
![Kokopelli-Drone Flute - Native American Style Flutes by Hawk Hurst](javascript:popupWindowF1("media/flute_01b.jpg"))
![Windsong Love Flute - Native American Style Flutes by Hawk Hurst](javascript:popupWindowF1("media/flute_02b.jpg"))
![Windsong Love Flute - Native American Style Flutes by Hawk Hurst](javascript:popupWindowF2("media/flute_03b.jpg"))
