My New Trumpet
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Having spent the last seven weeks in Australia and New Zealand, I visited a “ Māori Trumpet Shop “ in Auckland, and expanded my collection with a Pukaea and tried out a Putatara. I already have a Conch Shell so I passed on the Putatara. In the meanwhile, I will try and perfect the Hummel Concerto on the Pukaea. Below are photos of the Pukaea and the Putatara and a video of my first notes on each.
You will notice the device added to the Pukaea that adds weight to the trumpet and “enhanced the sound as well as creates a intonation correction”. It also wards off evil spirits.Pukaea
Putatara
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Evil spirits beware! This guy is not kidding around!
I'm surprised that the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ https://mim.org/ has neither of these. You have quite a rare artifact.
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Just to add a little more context, below is an explanation of each instrument as well as a video I took at a Māori Cultural experience. In the video you will see that many of the participants, both males and females, have extensive facial and body tattoos. This is called “Moko”. An explanation of Moko can be found below the video.
A "pūkāea" is a large, wooden trumpet used by Māori people in New Zealand, known for its use in signaling, both during war and for ceremonial occasions.
Here's a more detailed look:
What it is:
A pūkāea is a wooden trumpet, often made from a split and hollowed length of wood, bound tightly together with vine.
Size:
They can range in size, with some examples reaching up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length.
Usage:
War: Traditionally used as a loud, dramatic signaling device during times of conflict.
Ceremonial: Also used during times of peace, such as for announcing events and welcoming people.
Agricultural: Used in rituals associated with planting and harvesting crops.
Construction:
The mouthpiece end is called the "kōngutu" and the bell-shaped end is called the "whara".
Sometimes the flared end had wooden pegs added to make it resemble the human throat.
Cultural Significance:
Pūkāea are part of the family of Tāne-mahuta, the Māori deity of the forests and birds.
Other Names:
Sometimes referred to as "war trumpets," but their use extends beyond conflictThe pūtātara is a type of trumpet used by the Māori people of New Zealand. It is customarily made with a carved wooden mouthpiece and a bell made from New Zealand's small native conch shells (Charonia lampas rubicunda) or triton shell (Charonia tritonis).Larger pūtātara were particularly prized as the triton shell was rarely found and only sometimes washed up on the beaches in the Far North. It is often blown in guest welcoming ceremonies.
Māori Cultural Experience-Rotorua, New Zealand
You will notice in the video that both many men and woman have facial, as well as body tattoos. This is called “Moko”. "Moko" (or Tā Moko) refers to traditional Māori tattooing, a significant cultural practice that signifies prestige, authority, and identity, and often tells the story of the wearer's ancestry and achievements.
Key Aspects of Tā Moko:
Meaning and Purpose:
Moko is a form of body art with deep cultural significance, marking rites of passage and significant life events. It serves as a visual representation of a person's rank, tribe, lineage, occupation, and exploits.
Men and Women:
Traditionally, men had full facial moko, while women often had moko on their chins (moko kauae) and sometimes lips.
Ancient Tradition:
The tradition of Tā Moko has a rich history, with the practice continuing today, though it has seen periods of decline and resurgence.
Motifs and Symbolism:
Each design is unique and carries symbolic meanings, for instance, a koru (native fern) symbolizing new life and growth.
Process:
Moko was traditionally created using tools made of bone or wood and pigments derived from natural sources.
Revival:
There has been a revival of both full-face moko for men and chin tattoos for women in recent decades.
Tā Moko and Kirituhi
Moko has in recent years been divided into two main branches; Tā Moko and Kirituhi. Tā Moko is primarily for those of Māori blood and descent, while Kirituhi is for those of non Maori heritage
