Pūrerehua

The pūrerehu, or rangorango (named after its buzzing sound like that of the rango or blowfly) is a bullroarer.  

The pūrerehua belongs to the wind family of instruments.

The pūrerehua takes its name from the moth. Itis sound is similar to the whirling and hovering sound of a moths wings as it flys and flits.  

The beauty of the sound that emanates from the pūrerehua is in its ability to stir the soul and whirl in the deepest places of the heart, giving rise to emotion and awe.

Traditionally, Māori used pūrerehua for a variety of different purposes.  It is said that as the pūrerehua begins its flight, the spirit of the player (all their thoughts and feelings) would travel up the cord to create the sound and then it would travel beyond the instrument taking the dreams and wawata (desires) of the player to the listeners of this world and beyond, up to the heavens.  Therefore, the pūrerehua is a tool for communicating to others both inside and outside the earthly realm.

Other purposes of the pūrerehua:  Some iwi used it to call the rains to help their crops.  In the south pūrerehua were used to bring moko (lizards) out of hiding.  Pūrerehua are also used in lament and farewell of the dead.

Pūrerehua are made from many different materials:- Bone, wood and stone.  They come in a variety of sizes with usually unique kōrero or surface carving.