Bone and Cane Whistles and Flutes

These outdoor workshops are presented to re-introduce the public to the Natural World via our shared human heritage, through arts education, ancient skills training and traditional environmental knowledge. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating art in the same manner of our ancient ancestors, using only materials found in the natural environment!

Humans have been making bone whistles and flutes for at least 35,000 years. In this workshop you will master the ancient techniques of making whistles out of both bone and cane, complete with cords and decorations.

To craft these items, you will make/identify a variety of stone saws and drills and learn to make pine pitch adhesive. Using these tools the class will cut, shape and drill bones and river cane to make loud whistles. Examples and an overview of other ancient methods for creating music and rhythm will be demonstrated. The techniques you will learn can be applied to creating a flute if time allows.

Workshops will be facilitated by Chuck Kritzon of Willow Deer Education. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm (including a break for lunch) and costs $95 (includes material fee). Workshops are for adults and mature, focused teens.