There are some comprehensive and well researched guides available here on ebay concerning the purchase of a Native American style flute.  I can add little to them, but I would encourage all potential buyers to read them.  I can say that while I am a lover of flute music, and a fairly proficient player, I have made my share of mistakes in buying them online.   Yes, I do have a couple of fifty dollar flutes that play well, and I have at least one two hundred dollar flute that stinks.... on the whole I think you get what you pay for.  I don't think it matters if the seller has adopted an Indian name, how many times it was "blessed", or who his grandmother was.  Unless you are just easily impressed by all that, it won't make any difference in how the flute plays.  If you need a flute to be "sacred".... just ask the one who gave you life to accept its song as a sign of your gratitude and respect.  Only what is between you and your creator can make a thing sacred.   As the other guides have said over and over.... buy sound first, and looks second.  If you don't hear it play before purchasing, the odds are very high that you will be dissapointed.   One thing to consider that I have not seen adressed is VOLUME.   Many of these type flutes play well in a low whisper that cant be heard very far away, and will quickly jump octaves if blown very hard.   If you're happy with that, great, you will be satisfied with most available flutes.  There are flutes that will play loud and clean, but they do not seem to be the majority of what is available on ebay.   Ask to hear it in its natural sound.  Some sellers will offer you a sound clip with the listing, but it will be a studio enhanced version that you cannot duplicate in your living room.  One last thing...... if you are fairly new to these flutes, do not buy one expecting to be able to play like the CD you have been listening to !    The guy on the CD can't play like that either !   You are listening to a heavily edited and studio modified recording that is probably mixed with other instruments and of course AMPLIFIED.... just play for yourself and don't try to copy something that is not real.