Kōauau 5859HY

Kōauau are part of the flute family and come to us from the atua (spiritual entity) of flute music Hine Raukatauri. Kōauau is also the name for a species of hollow kelp, which can also be used to make instruments. Kōauau are made from a variety of different materials including wood, bone or sometimes stone. Most Kōauau have 3 wenewene (finger holes) although there are several older examples that have 4 or more. The kaiwhakangāwari is the wenewene closest to the mouth, the kaiwhakahī is the middle wenewene and the kaiwhakakaha is the wenewene closest to the distal end. There are many uses for kōauau. In Māori tradition, birds are sometimes seen as important messengers from the spirit world. Kōauau have a reputation of attracting the native birds of Aotearoa. The birds will often interact with the beautiful melody from the kōauau, giving us a glimpse of the spiritual aspects of the kōauau song.

Material: Mataī (NZ Native)

Measurements: 123mm x 26mm x 26mm