Pūkāea (long trumpet)

A small beautiful example of a pūkāea.

While often referred to in English as a long trumpet or war trumpet, pūkāea vary greatly in size from compact examples like this one to impressive pieces up to 2.5 metres in length. Pūkāea were crafted by hollowing a split length of timber, shaping a flared bell at one end, and binding the two halves tightly back together with vine.

Sound and Voice
Pūkāea are most commonly played using an embouchure technique similar to modern brass instruments. This produces a loud, far reaching sound known as kōkiri, with shorter instruments producing a higher pitch and longer ones offering a deeper tone along with a greater range of tones and octaves. Beyond this bold call, pūkāea can also be played using softer voice and breath techniques, producing multi harmonic tones that range from gentle and subtle to powerful and commanding.

Use and whakapapa
Pūkāea are frequently given the the title of war trumpets, this description is narrow and is misleading. They were equally integral to times of peace, including gatherings, welcoming guests, and signalling agricultural events such as the planting and harvesting of kūmara.

Because they are carved from timber and bound with vines, pūkāea are naturally connected to Tāne-māhuta, atua of the forest. However, narratives vary among iwi; when used in peaceful or agricultural contexts, many also connect the pūkāea to Rongo-mā-Tāne, atua of cultivated crops and peace.

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