Pair of Transverse Flutes 1833 - 1867

Johann Wilhelm Oberlender the Elder crafted this pair of transverse flutes in the 18th century, from ivory, wood, and brass. Ivory, sourced from elephant tusks, speaks to a history of global trade and exploitation. Fashioning the flutes would have been labor-intensive, involving skilled carving and drilling to create the precise bore and tone holes. The wooden sections, possibly crafted from hardwoods like ebony, provide structural integrity and contribute to the instrument's tonal qualities. The brass keys and fittings, though small, required meticulous metalworking. Oberlender's expertise highlights the confluence of craftsmanship and musical artistry during a time when instruments were not mere commodities, but bespoke objects of both utility and status. The creation of these flutes thus transcends mere technical skill, embodying the complex social and economic dynamics of its time. Appreciating their material composition invites us to consider these wider connections.