Early models of flutes were made out of bone and then wood but most of us are only familiar with those made from types silver or nickel. Wooden flutes are still popular in some places around the world though. They are hand carved and are very similar in design to what most of us know as the recorder. The fingers are used to cover the holes completely or partial in order to play the many different notes. Many of the more modern models of wooden flutes feature keys that you can push down and make the sounds as well.
Wooden flutes are believed to be the early works of Native Americans. They were used for ceremonies and dances to offer sounds that were soothing. Many of the different chants that they offered included the use of the wooden flute as it was believed they helped to please the gods and to comfort the people of the Indian tribe.
Most wooden flutes are very basic and simple though. You won’t find them used by professionals or those that are part of a musical orchestra. Yet there is plenty of fun to be had with a wooden flute. Most of them are very inexpensive but those made from high quality wood may cost more than you would imagine. You are likely paying for the time it took to carve out the instrument as well as for the wood used to make it.
There is a great deal of history though to be discovered with wooden flutes. They have been found in many archeological finds. This indicates that the use of music as well as of the flute have been around for a very long time indeed. The period of time that a particular flute is from can be determined just by the style of the wood formation.
Most wooden flutes feature a protective coating on them as well. This is to help ensure the wood stays dry. Moisture can accumulate inside and outside of the wood and it will affect the overall sound. It is a good idea to wipe the wooden flute inside and out with special protective cloths on a regular basis to help absorb any of that moisture that remains.