Kōrero Mai - Pātai Mai

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james@tahaa.co.nz

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+64-27-4256639

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Taonga Puoro & Performing Arts
Traditional Maori musical instruments brought back to life from manufacture to performance.
Ta Moko Artist
Currently available for bookings. Contact me today to book a spot.
Performing Artist
Contact me today for performance availability and bookings.
Karetao & Puppetry
Traditional Maori puppetry re-invigorated. Contact me for wānanga or workshop bookings.

Taonga Pūoro (Musical Instruments) by James

Kōauau
Flute
Kōauau
Koauau are the most common of all the traditional flutes. Hine Raukatauri (the case moth) is the atua (goddess) / kaitiaki (gaurdian) of the koauau.
Hue Rarā
Shaker
Hue Rarā
With the seeds inside the hue, this is a shaker or rattle. Hue can be carved or painted in beautiful kowhaiwhai patterns and can be decorated with feathers and harakeke.
Poi Awhiowhio
Whistling Gourd
Poi Awhiowhio
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.
Karanga Manu
Bird Caller
Karanga Manu
Karanga Manu (Stone and Bone) or koauau putangitangi are bird calling flutes. By placing pursed lips at the correct angle the player is able to mimic several kinds of bird calls.
Porotiti
Humming Disc
Porotiti
The porotiti is a humming disc, made of different shapes with a cord looped through two holes in the centre.
Putātara
Shell Trumpet
Putātara
Putatara, conch shell trumpet. In less recent time these instruments have had a variety of roles from signalling to ceremonial and ritual use.
Pūtōrino
Flute
Pūtōrino
The Pūtōrino is unique in that it functions both as a trumpet (the kokiri o te tane /male voice) and as a flute (the waiata o te hine / female voice) and is also employed as a conduit for the voice when sung into.
Nguru
Nose Flute
Nguru
This small instrument (8 to 10 cm) is curved at one end, because originally this flute was made out of a whale tooth. It can also be made out of wood, stone, clay.
Pukaea
Trumpet style
Pukaea
Pukaea is like a wooden trumpet. Pukaea were used to announce relay signals at times of conflict and were also used to announce the rituals associated with the planting of kumara (sweet potato) and other crops.
Pupurangi
Snail Shell
Pupurangi
The Pupu (or sea snail) shell makes a very crisp sweet sound when played just right.