Taonga Pūoro

Experience the Sacred Sounds of Taonga Pūoro with Tahaa

Taonga Pūoro, traditional Māori musical instruments, deeply connect to Māori creation stories and cultural heritage. According to Māori tradition, the Gods sang the Universe into existence, and these instruments extend the divine families of the Gods.

Origins and Significance of Taonga Pūoro

The musical instruments of Māori culture intertwine with their deities:

Rangi: Tunes honor Rangi, the Sky Father.
Papa: Rhythms echo the heartbeats of Papa, the Earth Mother.
Tāwhirimātea: The God of winds provides the family of wind instruments.
Tangaroa: The God of the seas inspires instruments made from shells.
Tānemāhuta: The God of the forest and his daughters, Hine-pū-te-Hue and Hine-Raukatauri, bring forth a wide range of instruments.

James crafts these instruments from natural materials, blending traditional and modern elements to ensure their continued resonance.

A Journey in Taonga Pūoro

As a keen practitioner, James has devoted over 30 years to the arts, specializing in carving (bone, stone, and wood), painting, mixed-media creations, public works, tāmoko (Māori tattoo), and karetao māori (Māori puppetry). However, his greatest passion lies in creating, playing, and teaching.

His journey began at Toihoukura, Te Tairawhiti Polytechnic, where he earned a Studio Certificate in 1998. He furthered his studies with a Bachelor of Arts in Whakairo Rakau (Māori wood carving) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2005, under the guidance of Dr. Paakaariki Harrison and Professor Kereti Rautangata.

Reviving and Sharing Taonga Pūoro

James proudly participates in Haumanu, a group dedicated to reviving and teaching these treasured instruments. Led by the late Hirini Melbourne and other notable figures such as Joe Melcom, Richard Nunns, Brian Flintoff, and Ranginui Keefe, this group has breathed new life into these taonga.

Throughout his career, James has performed and conducted numerous workshops in kura kaupapa (Māori language schools), mainstream institutions, and various forums in New Zealand and abroad. His work ensures that the sacred sounds of Pūoro resonate through generations.

Connect with Tahaa for Taonga Pūoro

View our range of instruments and experience their unique sounds. Whether you want to purchase or commission a custom piece, James Webster’s expertise and dedication to Māori musical traditions guarantee a creation that honors and preserves this cultural heritage.