Taonga Puoro

Rehu are long flutes with a closed top and a transverse blowing hole, but with finger holes like the pōrutu. It’s name is an old one and suggests it was a prized embellisher of song. Rehu are similar to Pōrutu.

Pūrerehua or turorohu create eerie sounds as they spin on the ends of their cords. Stories are told of them calling rain, summoning tears and even enticing food from hiding places.

Te kū is a single stringed bow and is tapped with a rod while using the mouth cupped over the string to modify the resonance of sound- similar to the rōria.

This instrument is similar to the Jew’s harp. It has a slender tongue of bone or wood and is plucked to create sound through vibration. The mouth is used to manipulate the sound and produce various resonances.

Kōhatu (stones) are from the family of Papatüänuku. When tapped or rubbed together they resonate the movements of the earth mother. Kōhatu are the rhythm keepers.

The pūkāea was a wooden trumpet, up to 2.5 metres long. It was made by splitting a length of mataī, hollowing out each half, then binding them together, often with the aerial roots of the kiekie vine. The narrow end had a carved wooden mouthpiece and the other was flared out.

Pūtangitangi is often a term used to describe the harmonica or mouth organ. However, it’s name originally relates to the small seashells used to create a harmonious note.

These are large hue with the seeds removed. The neck is cut off and the sound comes from blowing over the top to create a vibrant bass sound.

This is a whistling gourd. They are swung on a cord (similar to the playing of the purerehua) and create a gentle, soft whistling sound.