Kokopelli is the name given to the humpbacked flute player. The figure represents a mischievous trickster or the Minstrel, spirit of music. Kokopelli is one of the most intriguing and widespread images surviving from ancient Anasazi Indian mythology, and is a prominent figure in Hopi legends. The kokopelli is also considered a symbol of fertility who brought well-being to the people, assuring success in hunting, planting and growing crops, and human conception. To prehistoric indian cultures in the Southwest, kokopelli was an actual being who made the ground fertile, spreading seeds from his back wherever he would go. During times of famine, Kokopelli was drawn lying on his back. This meant that his spirit had left the land. We chose the "Kokopelli" because it represents new life, regeneration, a new beginning. We hope that when you begin playing your Kokopelli dulcimer that it will bring new life to your music and a new beginning to your life.
This kokopelli instrument was made out of Cherry with a Pennsylvania Black Walnut back and a Sitka Spruce top. The tone quality was superb!
The designs on the soundholes are hand painted and a variety of colors can be used. You can choose a color scheme and I will work it in, matching the tones and hues to the colors in the wood that I hand-pick.
See a
full view picture of the Kokopelli Dulcimer. Read the story of Kokopelli myth.
This instrument was made out of Mahogany with a Sitka Spruce top. The sound was enchanting and mellow!
You will definitely have a unique piece of art and a truly beautiful sounding custom instrument.
View wood samples here.
The gecko is a cute and very helpful southwest creature. If you visit New Mexico,
you will be sure to see a little gecko sunning himself on a rock!
The Gecko instrument can be made with either an air-dried, hand selected Cherry, Mahogany or Pennsylvania Black Walnut body. Either Sitka Spruce, Butternut or Western Red Cedar can be used for the soundboard with equal beauty in tone and response. Red Cedar has more "character" and grain design.
Spruce is a lighter color and the grain is more clear. The musical instrument shown here is made with a western red cedar soundboard, a cherry back, and walnut sides, fretboard, and peghead.
I would suggest that you also get a padded, hardshell case for full protection. Anything less would not protect your investment against damage, scratches, and dings.
The Texas Rangers were the most feared of all lawmen. Back in the 1800's,
they stood for justice and honor and were death on horseback.
They were respected by all including the Vaqueros and Comanches.
I came up with this southwest soundhole design in honor of the Texas Rangers.
It can be done in any color of your choice on either the square or teardrop style dulcimer.
You can also choose a Black Walnut, Cherry or Mahogany dulcimer body.
The Bear Clan DulcimerThe bear is a symbol of great strength and courage in the southwest. When a southwestern indian family moves,
once they reach a new area to live, they take the name of
the first animal they see as their clan name. This is a southwest art representation of the bear clan.
The Indians believed the long zig-zag lines, symbolizing lightning bolts, added power and speed to terrify the enemy, while the arrows symbolized victory.
The Pueblo style peghead comes standard on all of the southwest models. If you prefer a different style peghead, please send me an e-mail and we will discuss your choices.
