item details
NameFlute
ProductionUnknown; maker/artist; 1942-1944; New Zealand
Classificationflutes
Materialswood, varnish, paint
DimensionsOverall: 48mm (width), 505mm (length), 51mm (depth)
Registration NumberFE002414
Credit lineGift of C Curtis, 1948
Overview
This object is associated with Featherston Prisoner-of-War camp, which was the largest in New Zealand. Between 1942 and 1945, the camp housed about 850 Japanese PoWs. On 25 February 1943, the camp was the site of the notorious 'Featherston Incident' when 48 PoWs and one New Zealand guard were killed.
The flute is an example of the handicraft work which some of the prisoners produced for trade with guards and local people. Several other examples of this type of work are held at the Featherston Heritage Museum.