The Flute, a tube through which a tone-producing stream of air is projected, is the most ancient of musical instrument known. It is also one of the most widespread, and is found in some form (whistle, panpipe, flageolet) in almost all cultures.

However, regardless of its great age and its near universal presence in the world, its origin remains obscure. Probably it was independently invented in a number of places, and was created even before the appearance of modern man some 40,000 years ago. How the first flute was created is a mystery, but some imaginative possibities can be offered, based on what is known of ancient hunting people.

All hunting and gathering tribes found the marrow of the bone to be a delicacy, and would smash, split, and cut the bone to dig or suck out the marrow. From this daily exercise they could have observed that breath moving through a hollow tube makes an interesting sound. It is significant that ancient, as well as contemporary, hunters and gatherers typically make flutes and whistles out of bone. Though it is known that hunters and gatherers rarely fought one another, the bone flute could have been used as a weapon of self-defence against predatory animals.

In those parts of the world blessed with an abundance of bamboo, another every day occurrence might have helped create the first flute. Children everywhere sooner or later discover the pleasant humming sound that can be made by blowing over the top of a narrow-mouthed jar, bottle, or reed. Imagine a group of wandering Asian hunters preparing their camp at days end. They cut bamboo for a temporary shelter and settle in for the night. A warm wind moves in the dark. The varying lengths of bamboo stalk sections would produce a range of tones as random gusts and breezes played
across the open ends.

The most ancient Chinese flutes, the Kuan and Hsaio, are noted in written accounts dating to the 12th century. The flutes relationship to the arts of war first appears in oral traditions from the begging of the Han Dynasty. One such record describes a military confrontation between the armies of the Han and the Chu on the Black River.

Secretary Cheung Leung single-handedly won the battle by 2 unique acts. He created a large kite in which to ride over the river separating the enemy armies. This is recounted as the first use of the kite in warfare for reconnaissance. Further, while riding his war kite in the sky at night and looking down upon his enemy, he played his flute with such beauty that the soldiers of the other side grew homesick and melancholy, and left the battle field without a struggle.

The flute's relationship to the warrior can be seen in another context. The well educated man of old China was expected to master a musical instrument along with a variety of other artistic, literary, cultural and technical abilities. The flute was a common choice of the Shi warrior because it was light and portable, and also, perhaps, because of its potential as a weapon of self-defence. The flute as a weapon can be carried easily and inconspicuously. It can also be concealed on a person, and can be used as a secret weapon for close in violent encounters of a defensive nature.

Flute weapons are made of Jade, Bamboo, Bronze, Iron and Steel. They average between 16 and 24 inches in length. The ideal length would be measured from the tip of the longest finger of the right hand when fully extended to slightly beyond the right elbow. The rationale for the length is found in the ability of the forearm block, strike, or parry to be augmented by a hard ridge — the flute.

From the earliest use of the flute as a weapon, its potential as a projectile launcher has been appreciated. The flute was used to deliver poison darts and powders. It can also house daggers and large pins capable of penetrating vital organs. The sound martial artist sees the flute as a dangerous weapon and respects its potential.


Contributor: Reg Penson      # ar0004