Cedar of Lebanon, also known as Cedars of God, are located in the Kadisha Valley of Bsharre Lebanon. Once flourishing throughout the highlands of Mt. Lebanon, they are first referenced in the chapter of Psalms in the bible, and 102 times thereafter. Currently, the last remaining concentration encompasses 25 acres, is highly protected, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To this material, I have added accents of Bethlehem Olive. Itself highly cherished and protected. Specifically, harvesting can only be done via fallen branches….. First mentioned in Genesis 8:11, the Olive branch represents peace to the world, as having been returned to Noah’s ark in the beak of a dove. Both woods tell a fascinating story of ancient historical significance and healing.

This instrument is 16-5/8” in length, with a 7/8” bore diameter, tuned to 440Hz. Woods used begin at the mouthpiece with SE Asian amboyna burl, between layers of Bethlehem olive and capped with the cedar of Lebanon. Each side of the compression chamber likewise has 19mm disks of the olivewood inlayed as accents. Lastly, the block is cut from the cedar and bonded to a base of Oklahoma cedar for moisture control, while the wing overlay includes paua abalone and the Cedar of Lebanon. I was hoping the bird would resemble the dove of Peace….Not even close. Old habits die hard.

Labradorite; known for its changing colors, is recognized as a stone of transformation, enhancing strength of will and inner worth. Additionally it provides numerous healing properties, and is used extensively on this particular instrument. Beginning at the mouthpiece, I’ve inset a 10mm dome cut labradorite cab, offset by two 4mm turquoise cabs.  Each side of the compression chamber includes accents of dome cut 6mm labradorite as well. The sound chamber is set with a 15x21mm labradorite oval, while the finger holes are accented with four 5mm abalone dots, and a 6mm dome cut labradorite cab. Lastly, the fetish block has a 4.8mm faceted Brazilian mystic topaz set to the crown, and 2.8mm hematite beads set as eyes.

The flute was tuned at a wood temp. of 77.9°F, an ambient temp. of 72.9°F, and a humidity factor of 56%. @sea level.