Artisan Jeremy Wallace said flutes were historically played in ceremonies to send prayers up to the Creator. Today, they're still widely used by modern Chickasaws. As a cultural demonstrator Jeremy shared his love of the instrument with visitors at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. He said it took him over 78 hours to create his first cedar flute; he also used river cane, a traditional material that dates back to the Chickasaws' time in the original homelands of present-day Mississippi and Alabama.
Jeremy’s life was tragically cut short in 2017, but his Chickasaw spirit will always be remembered.