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Overview
This small pūkāea (long trumpet) is well preserved and very customary in form.
Pūkāea are wooden trumpets made from a long split hollowed length of wood with a bell shaped end which were bound tightly together with vine. The size of pūkāea ranged from smaller examples, like this one, to much larger instruments up to 2.5 meters long.
Sound and Usage
Pūkāea are most commonly played with the embouchure technique similar to that of western brass and trumpet instruments. This produces a loud dramatic trumpet-like sound known as kōkiri that can be heard over long distances. Longer pūkāea produce a deeper sound with shorter instruments producing a higher pitch. Skilled players can produce several notes and tones from a single instrument. Passive voice techniques and flute playing techniques can also be used through the pūkāea producing a multi-harmonic and captivating tones that range from subtle and gentle to powerful and aggressive.
The use of pūkāea for signalling during war has earned them the title of 'war trumpets', however this name is misleading as they were also used during times of peace. Pūkāea were used at many occasions, particularly around the planting and harvesting of crops like kūmara.
Pūkāea belong to the family of Tāne-mahuta, the Māori atua (diety) of the forests and birds.