for a flute to be born…

there is an alchemical consciousness working in the invisible through the elements, the artisan is an interpreter of the process and when integrated into the natural flow of the raw material, participating in each stage of gestation, develops the subtle art of perceiving what each bamboo will become as a flute. The intention of the artisan is shaped by the form and nature of the material, just as the material is shaped by the hands of the artisan.

Preparation of materials

The Harvest

Upon entering the bamboo grove we ask for permission, we revere and give thanks! The harvest is done at the beginning of the waning moon cycle, when the waters are low, we ask the clan if we may harvest. This Standing People belongs to the South direction of the wheel of the sweet Amerindian medicine; they are the giving people by nature. We cut gently just above the node, so that the water drains and does not spoil the root. We look for the oldest bamboos, which are in the center of the clump; they should be stained with an aged appearance and must be at least 3 or 4 years old. The older, the better.

The Bath

There are many types of baths to remove the starch from the bamboo and reduce the possibility of microorganism infestation. We used many chemical baths, but we were not happy due to the process of disposing of heavy metals. Nowadays we work in a forest reserve with access to pure spring water. So we use running water bath tanks with no need to use chemicals, simply leaving the harvested bamboos immersed for 15 to 30 days in pure spring water flowing over them.

1st Drying

When we take the bamboos out of the water, we present them to Grandfather Sun for a few days, but without leaving them exposed for more than 15 days, as the ideal drying is done slowly in the shade. This is the first drying process, only to drain off the excess water.

2nd Drying and Storage

The bamboos are placed on the shelf in a horizontal position and spaced apart from one another to breathe. They stay, at minimum, 6 months drying in the shade with low air humidity. At this stage, the longer the bamboo remains stored, the better its sound will be in the future. It is a process of natural maturation.

3rd Drying and Sealing

The final stage in preparing the material to become a flute is the final drying with a torch. This is where the bamboo receives a bath of fire to eliminate the last traces of water and provide a natural sealing through the evaporation of resins and starches. We call this process the “fire test,” because many bamboos cannot withstand the test and crack. Those that survive will certainly be born as resistant flutes, literally tested by fire.

Production Phase

The production stage begins by choosing the ideal bamboo for each type of flute and tuning; the bamboo tells us what flute it wants to be and we seek to follow it. After the lengthy selection, we move on to the stages of cleaning, sanding, drilling, hot tuning, cold tuning, final sealing, finishing, assembly, and the secrets that are part of our flute-making process. See below images of some processes in our workshop. Come create your flute in our atelier; we serve individuals or small groups. Contact us by email.

WE ARE PART OF THE BAMBOO PATH

If you are looking for an instrument of power and vibrational healing, know that this is our mission. Time is a positive factor, necessary for the materialization of an instrument with soul, made with love and devotion.

Our Flutes THE SACRED BAMBOO