Hummingbird
The Inspiration for this flute came to me from some knowledge I learned from a Shamanic teacher recently. He was speaking about Hummingbird in relation to communication and connection from within to all in the great Universe. In eastern philosophy this could be called mediation and comes through stillness and focus on breath. He was from South America and said that for him this connection is made while walking through the forest. He said that he becomes “stillness in motion” like Hummingbird. I had never heard this before and yet these words went straight to my heart and made perfect sense to me. I meditate often in the eastern tradition but having heard these words realised that I am also in the same state of beautiful connected stillness while walking with Mother Earth. I went for a long walk later that day and before long I became aware of myself in this wonderful state. Such peace and calmness while moving silently through the forest. When I returned home I knew this flute would be about all I had learned recently and also previously about Hummingbird. For many peoples they are great messengers to and from the gods and spirit worlds as well as being powerful healers. This makes perfect sense to me as when we are looking and feeling with stillness inside ourselves we are able to connect with the Universe. With everything in creation. This is my inspiration for this flute and I hope that all who play her and hear her melodies will feel that stillness and love within their hearts that connects us all. In honour of this beautiful message and knowledge I learned, I name this flute, Hummingbird.
 
She is in the key of F4 at 432Hz and is 57cm (22”) She is made of Bamboo. This is one of the original materials flutes were made from because it grows hollow. I use a combination of burning, sanding and polishing which gives each of these flutes a wonderful smooth finish and unique colour pattern. This flute has 6 finger holes and is tuned to a pentatonic minor scale.The Totem is made from Walnut which has been collected in the forest by my father to make his own beautiful objects. It is held in place with leather lace from North American White Tail Deer. Finger hole #4 is also covered with the same lace. This can be slid up and down at any time to change this flute between a 5 hole and 6 hole configuration. There are inlays of Malachite, Lapis Lazuli and Red Jasper on the the flute body representing the vibrant colours of Hummingbird. The natural colour lashing at either end is artificial sinew. The feathers are tied on with leather cord and they are from a Parrot that is over 60 years old and has been in my family all that time.
 
Find the music within yourself!