Information About Native American Wood Blocks

Kokopelli, creator of music and dance in Native American culture

Native American wood blocks are unique to the Native American wood flute. The wood blocks come in multiple shapes with varying spiritual meanings.

Function

The wood block establishes two air chambers as opposed to traditional flutes, which only have one. This creates a unique, clear whistle sound to the flute's tones.

Other Names

The wood block of the Native American flute is also called a "bird" or "fetish." This is because the majority of wood blocks are carved in the shape of a bird or an animal.

Basic Shapes

Birds, such as eagles and hawks, are often used as the shape of the wood block. Other shapes are formed from animals found commonly in Native American Folk Lore, including elk, deer, loons, turtles, horses and bison.

Spiritual Carvings

Some Native American wood blocks are carved to represent spiritual beliefs and characters from Native American Folk Lore. A popular carving used is that of Kokopelli, a legendary person who was said to have brought the changing seasons with the music of his flute. He is known to Native Americans as the source of music and dance.

Woods Used

The woods used to make Native American wood flutes and wood blocks are ash, elder, juniper, cedar, cottonwood, cane, sumac, elderberry, maple, pine, redwood, fir, orange, alder and walnut.

References

• Native American Arts and Crafts: Native American Flutes
• Native American Flutes and Drums: Native American Flute History