Maori Musical Instruments, the Koauau and Putatara
Maori musical instruments, the koauau (wooden flutes) and putatara (trompet).
The koaua - and the longest Maori placename: Tetaumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu (Te taumata whatatangihanga koauau o tamatea uraehae turipukaka pikimaunga horonuku pokaiwhenua ki tanatahu) .
It is the name given by the local Maori people, Ngati Kere to a prominent hill to celebrate the achievements of Maori ancestor, Tamatea Pokai Whenua. Tamatea was a famous chief and warrior of his time. His son Kahungunu was the founder of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe, which extends from Gisborne to Cape Palliser.
Maori musical instruments, the koauau (wooden flutes) and putatara (trompet. Tamatea was so grieved over the loss of his brother in the Matanui battle, he would sit on the hill and play his lament on what is called the koauau or Maori flute. The name means 'The hilltop where Tamatea, with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his Koauau (flute) to his beloved'.
Maori koauau
The koauau of old were produced by individuals, tohunga whakairo, Master Carvers, out of various materials. Wood, bone and stone koauau being predominant.
The rakau (wooden) koauau allowed the carvers to produce often intricately carved and decorated pieces that would often pass down through the generations….
