HUACA

A blessed instrument

HUACA HISTORY

Because of a high demand on other other instruments, the Huaca is not available right now.

The Huaca was originally developed by ceramist Sharon Rowell in the ’80s.

While trying to imitate the sound of the Mendocino foghorns, she discovered that multiple chambers provided more potential for building a new instrument. Over time the name changed from “triple ocarina” to “Huaca”, which means “sacred thing” in ancient Quechan language. By the end of her career, she was building beautiful multiple chamber flutes with a unique split mouthpiece and windway system. They had up to 4 notes on the back chamber and two almost chromatic melody chambers, each with more than an octave using a cross finger system. Sadly, Sharon past away in 2019 and only a few makers continue exploring this remarkable invention…

TAKING THE CHALLENGE

Alan Tower, a rare breed professional Huaca players, brought us into contact with Sharon Rowell. With their input, we started to build Huaca’s. First, it seemed impossible to reach Sharon’s level, but now, after numerous hours of building, we’re proud of a growing collection of beautiful instruments. The Huaca now has taken its spot to become a lifetime inspiration!

Melodic huaca in G

duo Huaca in A and D

Hand pan jam with Huaca in D

Melodic Huaca in A

MELODIC HUACA

This Huaca is tuned the same as the Native American wooden flutes. The front chambers have each 4 finger holes and 1 thumbhole, the drone has none. Because this flute doesn’t use the cross fingering system it’s easier to play. All music played on the NAF can be played on this flute too. Because a vessel flute is a whole octave lower than open flutes, a comparingly small instrument can already produce beautiful low notes…

NATIVE HUACA

This Huaca is tuned the same as the Native American wooden flutes. The front chambers have each 4 finger holes and 1 thumbhole, the drone has none. Because this flute doesn’t use the cross fingering system it’s easier to play. All music played on the NAV can be played on this flute too. Because Vesselflutes are a whole octave lower than open flutes, a comparingly small instrument can already produce beautiful low notes…

UNIQUE

Huacas are custom made

The Huaca has a unique fingering system that requires an exact hand fit for a smooth play. That’s why we will need a 1:1 scan of your hands in PDF to measure the right size for your instrument.