I just bought one of these inexpensive little jobbers…from what I can tell, they’re held like a flute, but you blow into the hole (rather than across it) like a whistle, so it should play just like a whistle…A cute little toy at the minimum, but I’m hoping that it’s in tune and can be played as a real instrument.
I’ll give you guys more details when they get here.
I got one in purple 
Looks like a new twist on the Melody Flute idea (BTW, the Melody Flute I had was just beautiful, tone-wise). I wonder, does it function on the principle of the Apache flute?
There’s also a reeded instrument that is blown through the side that comes from somewhere in the Far East. I’m not sure, but Shanna Quay may offer something like this latter for sale.
I made a transverse whistle a few years ago. For the most part, it sounds more like a flute.
well, they told me today that they were shipping the flutina, so I should have it next week.
While we wait, Chuck Clark also reviewed one of these about a year and half ago:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=18905&highlight=flutina
Do you have a picture of an Apache flute, Walden? Where have you seen one?
Walden,
I found a picture of a flute from the Pima and Western Apache region.
It’s not the best picture, it’s a photo of a photo.
If you notice the center of the flute has two holes where the cane node is between the two hollow pieces.
I’m not sure how this works compared to other types of NA Flutes. If it doesn’t have a bird (or other fettish on it), it might be covered by the hand to control the air. Note, only three toneholes.