Hand-Carved Cedar Flute – Red-Headed Woodpecker Design, Turquoise Eye, Shadowbox Display

This exceptional hand-carved and hand-painted cedar flute draws directly from the Brule Sioux Legend of the Flute, an enduring Lakota tradition passed down through generations. The mouthpiece is sculpted into the likeness of the wagnúka, the red-headed woodpecker, believed to have inspired the very first flute. With its vivid red head, golden beak, and turquoise stone eye, this detail captures both the artistry and symbolic meaning of the story. Black bands with red dots and leather ties accent the smooth cedar body, while the block is shaped in the form of a bird, honoring traditional Native American flute designs.

Accompanying the flute is a printed excerpt from The Legend of the Flute by Erdoes and Ortiz, displayed in a matching frame. Both the flute and legend are presented in a hinged, shadowbox-style wooden display case with plexiglass front, perfect for wall mounting or tabletop display. This is more than a musical instrument—it’s a conversation piece, a tribute to Indigenous artistry, and a tangible link to a timeless cultural narrative.

Condition:
Good overall; flute free of damage. Plexiglass has light scratches consistent with display, not detracting from presentation.

Dimensions:
Display Case: 8.5" x 31"
Flute: 25" length
Framed Legend: Overall 11 3/4" x 8"; Visible 8" x 5"