Native American flute. Plains tribes, probably Kiowa. Late 19th century or early 20th century. It still plays with a beautiful authentic sound. Playability is rare for truly old native American flutes. When found they are usually dry, cracked or warped with age. This flute is carved from a light colored, soft wood possibly pine and has original brain tanned deer hide ties tinted using a natural yellow pigment and a blue/green substance rubbed in to the deer hide strips. The unusual shape of the "fetish" - the carved wooden piece tied to the flute that directs the air stream over the splitting edge to create the sound - resembles a covered wagon, but this is speculative. For anyone interested in native american musical instruments this is a playable museum quality example. i have recorded with it and will supply a recording upon request. There is a truly haunting and timeless quality to the sound. This flute is a treasure worth having for the right person and comes with a handmade stand of weathered madrone wood for display purposes. See attached two old similar type flutes from u.s. museum collections.