Howdy ...... See that fell-er there ? His name is KOKOPELLI. As the story goes ...............
The spirit of KACHINA (Kokopelli) - the grasshopper MAHU is known as the hunchbacked flute player. In the beginning, when clans started their treks, they were accompanied by two insect-beings. (Mahu). After climbing a high mountain, the people encountered a big eagle. One of the Mahu spoke for the people and asked the eagle weather it had been living there for a long
time, and weather it would allow the people to settle here. The eagle answered that it had been living here since the creation of the fourth world, and that it would have to test them first, before it could allow them to stay. After a difficult test, which they passed, the eagle shot a arrow through the first Mahout's body. Immediately, the Mahout began to play a sweet, tender melody on it's flute. The eagle then shot another arrow through the second Mahout, who then played even a sweeter tunes on it's flute. The eagle recognized their great power, and granted them permission to settle in his country. Since, people have sung to their sick children as they discovered the powers of music.
Also known as the seed bringer and water sprinkler. A fertility symbol through out the Southwest. Depicted as old, bent under his heavy load with his flute. He travels to many communities, impregnating young women who are mesmerized from notes played on his flute.
See that Ocarina at the right? Well my good friend Tony from
the Taos Pueblo made this beautiful instrument .. used horse
hair and local clay to boot .... here's the yarn ~ The ceramic
Ocarina is probably more than 12,000 years old. Ancient
examples have been cited as small whistles, shaped like birds
or other animals and made of terracotta are known in India for
6,000 years. Among the archeological relics, there is an egg
shaped wind instrument the Xun made of earthware clay with
six tone holes and a blowing embouchure opening in it. The
Xun has a history of more than 7,000 years. At various times in Chinese history, musical culture is known to have been flourishing, in The Zhou Dynasty (-256B.C. there already appeared this orchestra instrument in the Imperial Court. Musical culture in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D. ) was so developed that it ranked among thebest in the world and exerted great influence on the development of music in the countries in Southeast Asia. Although Europeans may have seen or heard of the Chinese Xun ~ Tschuan or tsing all of 700 years ago, the sound and manner of playing was unknown in Europe. The same was true for the ancient Indian versions. Many Native Americans makers sculpted various forms of zoomorphic (animals~reptiles~birds) and anthromorphic (human) shapes for their fifes, trumpets, whistles and ocarnias. Through the development of ritual, early culture produced dancers whistles the first ceramic fippled instruments, leading to ocarines and double-chambered whistling vessels.
VIRGIN GROWTH TIMBER ~ A PIECE OF HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE ......All Timeless Timber woods and suppliers are 100% SCA Certified recovered submerged timber.
Recovered from the depths of the Great Lakes Region and other Canadian waterways Timeless Timber is virgin old growth timber 300 - 1200 years old. Grown under a thick canopy of evergreen trees and competing for limited nutrients and sunlight in overgrown forests, virgin hardwood species matured very slowly, accumulating up to 40 - 50 rings per inch.
Today's second growth rapidly maturing trees average only 5 - 10 rings per inch. These environmental factors resulted in the development of a finely grained, highly figured hardwood of exceptional quality and beauty.
In the 1800's logging mills dotted the shorelines of the lakes and rivers that were adjacent to the majestic forests of North America. Thousands of rugged lumberjacks felled millions of virgin trees that were previously untouched by man. These logs were tied into rafts and floated to the lumber mills for processing. Most of the lumber was used for building the great cities of the Industrial Revolution, except the logs that were lost before reaching their destination. These logs also known as "sinkers", became
some fancy photography back in them there days
waterlogged in transit and in there subsequent holding pond and settled on the bottom. Forgotten, these sunken timbers have remained at the bottoms of the lakes and rivers for over a centry, untouched and perfectly preserved in the icy cold dark waters of the North. It wasn't 1990's when Timeless Timber discovered these lost 'sinkers' and devised methods for the state-of-the-art kiln drying of the irreplaceable woods.
Extensive research into log mark records by Timeless Timber staff briges the past with the present. Some Timeless Timber logs have marks showing the logging company's name, from that we try to determine the sawmill and the year the log was cut down and in transit. Today, only two million board feet of recovered submerged lumber is available each year, although new domestic international caches are continually being discovered.
Some of the ever changing species of Timeless Timber are flamed red birch, hard maple, red cypress, beech, ash, hemlock and white pine, red pine, ponderosa pine, red oak, western larch and aspen, with more species being discovered as recovers continues. The allur that Timeless Timber wood provides is beyond compare. Wheither you are an architect, fine home builder, furniture maker or rare woods purist Timeless Timber will give your next project exceptional beauty, strength and a captivating story that dates back to the days of Columbus.
well ..... now that's a story to beat all storys don't ya think?
kokopelli
ocarina
old timber
The Ancient Kauri Wood Story
Ancient Kauri is the world's oldest workable timber.
The prehistoric Kauri forests that grew 50,000 years ago are preserved under the North Island of New Zealand.
These incredible trees grew for nearly 2000 years before they were buried. Some have a girth of around 40 feet, and a total height of nearly 200 feet. They are among the largest trees in the world
Buried under a peat swamp by an unexplained act of nature, the trees have survived centuries in an underground resting place, sealed in a chemically balanced environment that has preserved the timber in perfect condition.
Today these swamplands are farms.
The ancient trees slowly float to the
surface where they become a serious
hazard to livestock. Cattle fall into
sinkholes or trip and break their legs
on the logs.
Over the last 25 years our partners in
New Zealand have perfected the
techniques of safely removing these
giants of the earth.
Extraction of the logs is time consuming, expensive and technically diffcult requiring skilled operators of heavy machinery.
Working in wet conditions each log muat be carefully dug out and brought to the surface. After extraction the hole is filled and topsoil replaced. Within a year the land is lush and smooth again.
Each log is carefully assessed, then milled to yield the best grain and timber. No two trees are the same and each is treated as a unique project. Drying takes two to four years.
Despite its long burial, with carefull selection, cutting and drying the wood maintains its beautifull qualities and finishes to a rich cognac shade.
When polished the wood is a deep color with hies, textures and sheen's that constantly change under shades of light. It literally glistens as it lit from benearth the surface.
Extensive scientific Radio Carbon Dating tests have been done on samples of Ancient Kauri bt independent organizations that include
The University of New Zealand in Waikato
The University of Sydney Australia
The New Zealand Institute of Nuclear Sience
Beta Analytic Inc. of Miami Florida, the United States leading laboratory for radio carbon dating analyses.
Dating has proven beyond doubt that these Kauri forests grew during the period 30,000 to more that 50,000 years ago.
Scientists are also studying the growth rings of Ancient Kauri to piece together a look at the environment of our plant befor the arrival of modern man.
This is not a sustainable industry. There is only a finite number of buried Ancient Kauri. It is not known how much Ancient Kauri lies beneath the ground.
We respect the history of each of these magnificent trees and put a lot of time and pactience to prepare this wood for you.
It takes time and attention to work Ancient Kauri, every piece has its own personality. You can bring out its inner glow through careful consideration as you shape and polish it. You now have a unique opportunity to work with a 50,000 year old product of the earth, finding that deep connection, creating something that brings out the glory of life, and then being able to appreciate that beauty for years to come
Every finished piece becomes a collectable investment that will stand the test of time. Take this opportunity to be one of the few who will know the joy of working this distinctive and extremely rare wood.
We were towards the end of celebrating this years Laguna Pueblo's Feasts .......... we've had a vendors spot near the popular intersection of the two roads which intersects at the top of the hill which is teaming with children, folks, and visitors alike. This was our first year participating as a vendor, and my wife and I were having a wonderful time. We had met and formed lasting friendships with several other vendors from near by Pueblos.
Our tables were set under the canopy with a wide range of different cases and boxes set out for display.
Every so often, a little boy, with jet black hair and big brown eyes, would be admiring this one particular Travel Box. You could barely see him over the boxes, as he stood straining to see the box he was touching, slowly passing his hands over the box, feeling the silky smooth finish. Then he would leave! soon he'd return and contuine to admire the same box.
Here comes his mother, slightly anoied that he was touching the boxes for sale, and perhasps makiing a pest of himself. (of course he wasn't) As she lead him away, you could hear his pleading for her to buy the box, and I suppose she tried to explain to him that they would not be buying any wooden box today. Again the little boy returned, straining so much to see his now, favorite box that he could not have. Again his mother came by, with several loves of bread for sale in her arms, she managed to pull the little boy away from the table and down the road they went , selling their oven bread ... again, you could hear them discussing the wooden box he so admired.
Again the little boy returned to the edge of my table looking to se if the box was sold yet .... you could see the gleam in his eye as he found his favorite box.
As I cought eye contact with the little fellow, I asked him if he wanted that box ? nerviously, and wide eyed, he said yes .... I ask him if he liked the box ...he notted yes. then I asked him if he had any money ....and with a disapointing look on his fase, he spoke up and said no ....
I paused for a minute and as he looked at me, I asked him, then, do you have anything to trade ? The little boy first looked surprised, then puzzled ... he thought ......., then .... he noned his head yes ... and ran off ...
Several minutes past by, busy showing my boxes to a prospective customers, I noticed the little boy had return to the end of the table ..... as he continued to strain to look over the table .... I asked him again if he had anything to trade for the box he wanted .... the little boy nodded yes... I then jestered what did he have .... and in one swift and proud movement, arm and hand streached out as far as his little body woul;d do ..... he shows me an apple ... a big red delishious apple there in his palm ....
It seemed like forever, the surounding tables, the vendors, the customers in the middle of a purchase, the on lookers .... all stoped in dead silance ...not a word or a sound could be hears within yards of our booth.
I stood up straight, and proudly said .... "good trade" .... and all of a sudden the tables came alive with chatter, laughfter, and all who heard ..began clapping for the little boy. Simostaniously, I leaned over the table and accepted the big red apple and gave the boy the box he had so wanted all day.
I might add ...in a distance, his mother looked on ...smiled, nodded her head from side to side ... and reutrned to her own table.
Well ... it didn't take long for everyone to learn of this drama.
I felt good, good for the little boy with the apple, and good for me, as I renforced the feelings and reason I was here, the reason I was making boxes,
and accepting the path Grandfather has given me.
........jim
The Little Boy ~The Travel Box ~ The Apple
the little boy
& the apple
the first
flute case
KESHI UKKWADO .......... Some time ago after seeing my work, a friend, a flute maker from Taos Pueblo asked me to make a wooden case for flutes. Soon we designed a wooden case with padded saddles, leather ties to secure the flute & lid, and a soft leather carrying strap.The wood of choice is Red or Spanish Cedar and Purple Heart. The aroma of the cedars... highly complements its traditional entrusted flute.
While working on the first flute case, I felt the need to do something special ... something unique. I needed to explain each symbol, to give the beholder a glimpse of traditional meaning... Without this meaning a symbol is just decoration. By supplying a scroll with the meanings of each symbol written... I can demonstrate and honor Native American history, a cultures beginnings, beliefs, even tell stories with just one picture or symbol. It is said that "only a few actually know the meaning of these symbols. But it is this meaning that transforms an ornament into a symbol, because for the beholder it represents a ritual, a belief, or understanding and thus is given significance and brings us closer to our earth."
Each flute case is a..one-of-a-kind, no two cases are alike, each lid is matched, cut and sanded to a custom fit. During the sanding process I start thinking of the symbols to use, the size, and how many. This Petrography of the Thunderbird, (just right) ~ reminds me of its legend.--
A mythical being that is revered by all nations. It's
regarded as the rain bringer, as lighting flashes
from its eyes and thunder is caused by the beating
of its wings. As the story goes the thunderbird lives
in a cedar forest at the western end of the world where
they build their nests,wield cedar bats, and stuff their pipes with cedar needles. Seems fitting, that we construct our cases and boxes with this cedar.
Only wood, glue, and wood dowels are used in the construction of these cases or boxes. Only linseed or Danish oil and polish are used in our finishing process. To give a natural case for a natural flute.
The First Flute Case
Greetings .......My name is Jim Bainbridge of Edgewood New Mexico.
Due to an injury about 12 years back, I was forced to retire which allows me to enjoy my wood shop. I soon came to the belief that "things happen for a reason" and I am grateful to the Creator that he gave me this path to follow. In my wood shop is a path that takes me on a journey through time, back to when the accentors roamed this land and left behind their marks, their history, their stories, and their beliefs in the paintings ... the Petroglyphs and rock art. I feel I need to reintroduce these symbols through my craft of wooden cases and boxes. An artist once said " That only a few people actually know the meaning of these symbols. But it is this meaning that transforms an ornament into a symbol, because for the beholder, it represents a ritual, belief, or understanding and thus is given significance and brings us closer to our earth.”
By using these symbols and providing an explanations of their meanings I can hope to share with others .... of a world we no nothing about, and perhaps help remind those children of their traditions. As I work in the shop, I enter into a world of these meanings, stories, ancestors ... become aware of the pleasant and different wood smells, lingering old saw dust of flute cases, a feather box ... perhaps a medicine case commissioned by a trusted medicine man, or just a secret travel box to be created and given to a unsuspected young dancer striving at a PowWow to hold on to his or hers traditions .... to celebrate their efforts ..... this is why I make boxes.
In my wildest dreams I never thought that today, I'd have the privilege to express my beliefs and the beliefs of others in working with some of Mother Earths hidden secrets ..... like the AncientWood Kauri, the sunken reclaimed woods of Lake Superior, or the weathered wood of an old western fence, as well as the exotic woods of ancient lands. To ponder the extended life of these precious woods. I believe in my heart that the Creator allowed me this honor, to acquire this wood as he guides my hands ... and I promise to utilize this privilege to do good .......... jim
I don't like to write about yourself, so if I may share with you some of the letters I have received, might do.
"Wonderful ! What a treasure ! I am impressed, friend.". Jim, I knew you had a challenge to make the case I requested for my two branch flutes. They were so crooked, I knew you would have problems trying to find a way to fit them into one case. With the help of the drawings I sent you, your saddles fit perfectly, when mounted in to the case. I appreciate that you shipped them lose, to allow me to verify that they fit the very odd contours of the flutes. Everything went together perfectly. The quality of the cases, and the loose parts you provided to allow me to assure a proper fit of the flutes was excellent. The engravings you put on to the case seem to speak a special message, one of a person who loves his craft and excels in it. I must thank you for such a wonderful flute case. I will carry it with pride, and know my personal flutes have a most fitting home." ........
The Fallen Branch Tribe
"Hi Jim, Proud of you. Your website is great and shows your work beautifully. I would know too, as my shop has been selling them all summer. So, anyone reading this and wondering what Jim's cases are real like, go for it. You won't be disappointed. Good Luck on your new ventures Jim."
Dawn ... Taos
" Jim created an elegant case for me, for a flute he'd never seen. The case cradles my flute, enclosing it like a womb, so that each time I play it, drawing the flute from the case is like birthing of something new. The newness of which is reflected in the music. Jim's case, however, is so much, much more. His case includes artwork that with each viewing, and each reading of Jim's personal explanation, draws me deeper into the mystery of sound, of frequency, of vibration, and of awe. Thank you, Jim! "
Kim Gray Eagle .... Waterloo, Iowa
" Dear Jim,
Because of the Sacredness of, not only the box itself, but of what the box holds, I wanted to speak from my heart. I honor and respect your talent. Creator has made possible for you to express your beliefs and those of others, in a symbolic, significant, each one unique and meaningful to the recipient. Hand crafted, using no metal connectors, from the most aromatic red cedar wood. Jim I also feel the energy of the box each time I handle it, Knowing that it was created with respect, honor and heart felt love, for how you do it and what your contribute to the greater good of all ! I am most grateful to have received such a Sacred treasure." May I send you dimensions for another? Peace
Greg Morey
" Jim: I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your wonderful work on my flute case. From the beginning to end, the process was easy and enjoyable and I look forward to the time when I can have another one made. You explained the method of construction very well and were timely in answering my emails and keeping me posted on your progress. The wood you chose was amazing and the carvings of the Eagle and Kokopellie really finished it off beautifully. I also want to thank you for adding the turquoise to the eye of the Eagle and Kokopellie, I wasn't expecting that and sincerely appreciate your generosity." Best regards
