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The Story of the Love Flute A long time ago, before the white man came, there was a young Cherokee man who was looking for a wife. One day while walking along in the forest the man attracted the attention of the Spirit of the Cedar. The young Cherokee told the Spirit of his quest and the Spirit showed the man how to craft a flute from cedar that would help him court a wife. The man followed the instructions of the Cedar Spirit in carving and hollowing out two nice pieces of cedar wood. He made six finger holes at the locations the Spirit told him and put it all together with some fine buckskin strips. He practiced and practiced his flute until one day he met a fair maiden and enticed her with his beautiful music. Eventually they were married. Ever since then Native Americans from Canada all the way to South America have enjoyed and used the Love Flute.
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 Osapana in buckskins and headdress he made himself |
 Basic flute made of Juniper These Flutes are still being made today by J.R. Whiteman of Clovis, New Mexico. He is known by his Native American friends as Osapana (which means hammerstone in Pueblo). Osapana has been a woodcarver, craftsman, painter, and outdoor adventurist, for over eighty years.
The Jeweler's Web is pleased to present just a few of Osapana's pieces here for you to view. These flutes are all one of a kind, individually handcrafted by Osapana and no one else. He is doing this for the love of his work and takes the time to customize each one with a few personal touches. He is not a factory, nor does he want to start one.
If you would like your very own Native American Love Flute you may order one through jewelersweb.com or you can call toll free at 800 269-9629.
The basic flute is approximately 20 inches in length and 1-1/2 inches in diameter. They are available in Red Cedar, or Juniper (another type of Cedar). These are available for $99 each. If you would like a fancy flute with bead work or an extended flute they are available for $199.
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| Osapana also is an accomplished silversmith. If you are interested in any of these rings please let us know. They are all set in sterling silver with various stonework, mostly turquoise. Rings with jet, mother of pearls, coral, and other minerals are available. |
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