Courting Flute, Plains Indians, Northern Plains Region, early 20th century Click on images below to see larger images NMM 4051.  Courting flute, Plains Indians, Northern Plains Region, early 20th century. End-blown, external duct flute with stylized wooden rabbit saddle. Leather-bound wooden saddle not only holds stone chamfer in place, but also prevents air leakage. Bent copper tubing fitted to end of flute as mouthpiece. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. Saddle and Mouthpiece Wooden saddle carved as a stylized rabbit with articulated head, eyes, ears, front legs, and tail; space between front legs serves to direct air flow; three holes carved for tying binding thong through the saddle, instead of over it. Mouthpiece made of a section of copper tubing, bent and fit into beveled wooden end of flute; paper wrapped around end of tube inserted into flute to ensure air-tight closure. Go to Checklist of Musical Instruments of the Indigenous Peoples of North America National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD   57069 ©National Music Museum, 2007 Most recent update:   February 26, 2007 You are the 842nd visitor to this page since February 26, 2007. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page