Nguru (nose flute)

The nguru is a traditional nose flute that is unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. It has an up-turned snout end, into which the player exhales through one nostril, and two perforated holes, or 'note-stops' (wenewene), along the length of the stem, which produce melodious, low-sobbing notes that invoke the voice of Hineraukatauri, the female ancestral spirit of Māori music. Nguru can be made of wood, stone, or whale ivory (as in this example), and were often played at times of great sorrow, such as tangihanga (funerary events).

It is believed that only persons of importance, tohunga (priest) or rangatira (chief), ever possessed whale ivory nguru such as this. This nguru is carved in the Nga Puhi style.

A resurgence in the manufacture and performance of taonga puoro (Māori musical instruments) in recent years will help to ensure that this living art form survives into the future.