About this item: Pūtōrino are unique in that they are played as both a flute and a trumpet, or, with female and male voices. This Putorino is carved to tell the story of Raukatauri, and it takes the shape of her cocoon with her as the central singing figure. The carving at the top with long antenna is of Pepe, the male moth who has been attracted by the sweet voice of Raukatauri. He is depicted as they come together to ensure the continuation of the tradition. Below at the bottom end is the face of music, this face has two noses which signify that the Music is created by joining two breaths, that of the player and that of the instrument.

By carving these beings with stylized human features the relationship which binds all of creation together is emphasised. So the moth is seen as a ‘Moth person’ and we are ‘Human people.’ The design covering the Putorino represents the music going out into the world and creating pleasing shapes in the silence and this theme is also used on the plinth.

About Taonga Puoro: In Maori Music traditions musical instruments are members of the families of the Gods. Tunes are named Rangi after the Sky Father to whom they ascend after being sounded and Rhythms  come from the heartbeats of Papa, the Earth Mother. Their children, Hine pu te Hue, Tane, and Tawhiri Matea, their Great uncle Tangaroa and a grandchild, Raukatauri, Goddess of flute music, are most of the ancestors of a wide range of musical instruments. Click here hear to learn the origin story of Maori flutes.

Material: Recycled Matai