Flute/Whistle

Maori Bugle – Putorino

New Zealand
New Zealand - Maori

Wood, flax binding and paua shell
Signed and Dated 1908

Height 19.5 inches

This 100+ year old "Putorino is carved and signed by Denis Connor - a Maori carver. During the turn of the 20th century, Maori people were made to change their names to English or Irish names and he selected Denis Connor. The Putotino has been called a bugle flute because it has two voices, the male and female voices. The male voice called kokiri,is produced by buzzing the lips, much the same as playing a trumpet. This trumpeting sound is used to summons or announce special happenings. The female voice is produced by blowing over the top or in the side-blown-way across the middle, splitting a column of air, much the same as in playing a flute. It produces a crying sound and is used for such occasions. The shape of the Putorino comes from the casemoth cocoon that houses Raukatauri, Goddess of Flute Music, who according to legend, lives in the flute. The Putorino is an instrument unique to the Maori and is regarded in very high esteem. It has the original flax binding and paua shell eyes.

Owner:
Catalog#: OC-AEBH-1

Taonga Puoro (Singing Treasures)by Brian Flintoff

© Hartenberger World Music Collection