Pūtātara

Pūtātara, conch shell trumpet. In less recent time these instruments have had a variety of roles from signalling to ceremonial and ritual use.

Pūtātara

Pūtātara

Maori legend tells that when Tane descended from the heavens carrying Te Kete O Te Wānanga (the three baskets of knowledge) gifted from his father Rangi, he left behind a Pūtātara as a koha (gift).

This and other legends indicate why this instrument forms an important cornerstone of Māori practises and spiritual beliefs. The 'voice' of a Pūtātara can be blown over many miles signalling an enemies advance. When played by a tōhunga (priest) however the instrument can produce a remarkable range of sounds, easily described as out  of this world.

Pūtātara mouth piece

Pūtātara

 

Once drilled and bound together the two main component parts represent koha from their respective Atua (gods): Tangaroa (god/guardian of the ocean) the shell and Tane Mahuta (god/guardian of the forest) the wood.

About James Webster

James Webster is of Maori and European descent and is well known as a talented Maori arts practitioner, working with many mediums including wood, bone and stone (sculpting and carving) as well as paint, fibre and metal (mixed media) and Tā Moko (body adornment / tribal tattoo).