This Oglala Lakota flute was made around 1870. Flutes such as this one are characterized by the unique way in which they produce sound. The flutes have two chambers, one that collects the players breath, and another that produces sound. The chambers are connected by a block of wood commonly known as a saddle. The design of the opening between the chambers and the block causes the air to vibrate, producing a pitch.
Man's courting flute
- Collection History
- Collection history unknown; formerly in the collection of Ezra L. Guthrie (1854-1927, a taxidermist who lived in Indiana and Oakland, California); purchased by MAI from Ezra Guthrie in 1923.
- Contact Us
- Have a concern, a correction, or something to add? Contact us: https://nmai.si.edu/collections-statement
- Data Source
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Culture/People
- Oglala Lakota (Oglala Sioux)
- Previous owner
- Ezra L. Guthrie (E. L. Guthrie), Non-Indian, 1854-1927
- Seller
- Ezra L. Guthrie (E. L. Guthrie), Non-Indian, 1854-1927
- Date created
- circa 1870
- Object Name
- Man's courting flute
- Media/Materials
- Wood, hide thong/babiche, paint, feather/feathers
- Techniques
- Carved, incised, painted
- Dimensions
- 80 x 3 x 4 cm
- Object Type
- Music and Sound
