Pūtātara

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

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.

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.