Kōauau (flute)

The koauau is a traditional Maori mouth flute usually made from native woods with a soft inner pith that was burnt-out using hot embers. They typically had three notes-stops on top, and one underneath, often ringed by countersunk paua shell inlay. The first upper note-stop was called Maui-mua, the second Maui-roto, and the third Maui-taha; each one representing one of the brothers of the famous Polynesian cult-hero Maui. Koauau were sometimes made from bone, and when they were it was usually from the arm or thigh bone of a deceased family member or an enemy, or from the wing bone of the toroa (albatross). Koauau made from the bones of enemies were often said to play the 'sweetest' notes. Koauau were generally reserved for persons from families of rank and position within the tribe, and when not in use would suspended around the neck.

This large wooden koauau, beautifully carved with steel tools (?), probably originated in the North Auckland or Northland region. It is phallic in shape, with the ends shaped in the form of the glans penis. Either side of the stop-notes are carved in the scrolling pakura pattern, although one side is still incomplete. The underside is carved with two humanistic ancestral figures.