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Duct flute (wilwil'telhuku'p)
Native American, possibly Tohono O'odham (Papago)
19th century
Object Place: Arizona, United States, Southwest
Medium/Technique
Cane
Dimensions
Length 63.5 cm, diameter 2.3 cm (Length 25 in., diameter 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2229
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionCylindrical body of cane with three nodes. Central node intact with rectangular window cut over top. Missing tied-on bandage to form duct. Three equally-spaced fingerholes in distal half.
InscriptionsIn ink on side of headjoint: 107.535 / Tucson Arizona / Coll - E.W. Nelson
ProvenanceBetween 1881 and 1888, probably acquired in Arizona by Edward W. Nelson (b. 1855 - d. 1934), Washington, DC [see note]. 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin (b. 1858 - d. 1945), Hatfield Regis, England, to William Lindsey (b. 1858- d. 1922), Boston; 1916, gift of William Lindsey to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)
NOTE: The flute is inscribed "107.535 / Tucson Arizona / Coll - E. W. Nelson." Naturalist Edward William Nelson lived in Arizona from 1881 until 1888. He served as Clerk of the Board of Superiors and County Recorder, Apache County.
NOTE: The flute is inscribed "107.535 / Tucson Arizona / Coll - E. W. Nelson." Naturalist Edward William Nelson lived in Arizona from 1881 until 1888. He served as Clerk of the Board of Superiors and County Recorder, Apache County.
Improvised song, 19th century
Performed by Barry Higgins