Putorino Flutes carved by John Collins

Kauri wood (stained), Muka (flax fibre) binding applied with natural plant resin, Paua Shell inlay. 545mm longer. 360mm shorter.
Stainlesss steel stands.

These two Putorino flutes are traditional. The Kauri timber is carved, split, and bound back together. Expressive Wheku (faces) carved into them imbue them with a human personality.
They are able to be played in several different ways, to create different sounds.
In traditional Maori culture, these flutes were used to make announcements, to call people together, to signal important events. They are not thought to have been used in a social ‘party’ situation.
Following the renaissance of their making and playing led by Hirini Melbourne and the Haumanu Collective, Maori traditional musical instruments, or ‘Taonga Puoro’ as they are collectively known, have become part of contemporary culture of Aotearoa.
Once again, we are familiar with their distinctive sounds.

John Collins was involved wit...