How are flutes used in Plains Indian courtship music?

In the musical traditions of the Plains Indians, the flute—specifically the end-blown or duct flute—is traditionally played as a solo instrument for courtship purposes.12

Young men historically used the flute to serenade young women, a practice deeply rooted in the symbolic association between the sound of the flute and love magic. These instruments, often referred to as courting flutes, are typically constructed as duct flutes, which feature an internal block to direct the airstream against a beveled edge. Beyond their functional role in courtship, these flutes are often crafted with significant care, frequently adorned with carved fetishes, feathers, or symbolic incisions that reflect their cultural importance.32