February is often called the month of love – a
time for Valentine’s Day and, the time to remember and emphasize the importance
of love in our lives. In Native American culture the mind, the spirit, the love
of one’s roots, the love of nature, and of others is ingrained culturally.
Stories are one way of communicating the love of nature and of life and
courting flutes are another way of expressing feelings of love and the
appreciation of the beauty of nature.
The Institute of
American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road
in Washington has organized a program on the magic of courting flutes that
allows visitors to delve into traditional Native American Music. It is a
wonderful way to top off Valentine's Day week. On Saturday, February 15,
beginning at 1:30 p.m. Ojibway artist, and musician Allan Madahbee will explain
the cultural significance and the hauntingly beautiful sound of the Native
American courting flute. The legend of the courting flute will be told
highlighting these beautifully made instruments that are deeply rooted in the
traditions of Eastern Woodland indigenous peoples. Participants will see and
hear a variety of courting flutes and will have the chance to examine them as
they listen to their soothing sound. Courting flutes are available in our gift
shop and there will be a limited selection of courting flutes available for
purchase on the day of this event. If you already own a flute, feel free to
bring it along!
About Allan Madahbee
Today, makers of Native American Flutes like
Ojibway artist and musician AllanMadahbee craft their personal style and
sound into their creations. Madahbee began to research
the Chippewa flute culture and was influenced and mentored by Joseph Firecrow
of the Cheyenne Nation. "We became friends and he provided guidance and
feedback and explained some of his methods of flute making. With his passing
last year, we have all lost a great Native American flute maker and musician. I
am proud to continue our flute making traditions." The sound of the courting flute that is usually made of cedar has an
uncommon scale for Western music and is entrancing.
Born on
the shores of Lake Huron, Allan Madahbee is a member of the Ojibway (Chippewa) Nation
that has pursued the traditional arts and crafts of his ancestors. He has been
making Native American flutes for about ten years. "I had always thought they
were a product of the Southwest Indian tribes, but a book that I found that was
written during the 1800s about Chippewa culture, had a passage about the
Chippewa flutes, along with pictures. This made me realize that they were
indeed a part of my Chippewa culture. Knowing that my ancestors constructed these
flutes for hundreds of years has inspired me to continue this tradition. Also,
the haunting sound from these mystical instruments is a large part of my
inspiration."
Along with constructing Woodland flutes, beaded
moccasins, woodcarvings, Native American regalia, and rock sculptures, Madahbee
always returns to his artistic roots in paintings and weavings. Mainly
self-taught, Madahbee attended school with fellow Ojibway artists Blake
Debassige and James Simon - two well known Anishnawbe artists that are
respected and have their paintings displayed around the world.
Space is limited
and reservations are suggested. To make sure you get a spot call the Institute for
American IndianStudies at (860) 868-0518 or
email general@iaismuseum.org to reserve your spot. The program is
included in the price of admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children;
IAIS Members free.
About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American
Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research,
exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian
Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent
displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows
visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture
of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38
Curtis Road, Washington, CT.
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