About this item: There are several instruments which also create quiet, private sounds like Raukatauri and this Karanga Manu is one. These can also become beautiful and functional pendants and this one, carved from Matai is a stylization of a rirorio, or grey warbler.

Originally, the purpose of this tiny flute was to lure birds by mimicking their own calls, sometimes to come into the hunter’s range for easy capture.

By placing the pursed lips at the correct angle to the mouthpiece and blowing, the player is able to mimic several kinds of bird calls. Today this little flute can create interesting and humorous responses from the garden birds and forest dwellers alike. Then as we reflect on these beautiful sounds we can create our own bird-inspired songs.

About Taonga Puoro: In Maori Music traditions musical instruments are members of the families of the Gods. Tunes are named Rangi after the Sky Father to whom they ascend after being sounded and Rhythms  come from the heartbeats of Papa, the Earth Mother. Their children, Hine pu te Hue, Tane, and Tawhiri Matea, their Great uncle Tangaroa and a grandchild, Raukatauri, Goddess of flute music, are most of the ancestors of a wide range of musical instruments. Click here hear to learn the origin story of Maori flutes.

As in tradition much of the work put into instruments was for their carved stories therefore I prefer to work to your budget while adding appropriate carving.

Protocol: Traditionally these treasures are given personal names and you are invited to continue that tradition.

Material: The recycled Matai used for these because of its straight grain and sound qualities has been treated with a special food safe, organic burnishing oil. Several coats give it years of lasting but if well used and wear shows around the mouthpiece or inside it just needs recoating. Shells and Feathers are imported and so already screened for pest and any border limiting conventions.

If required Baby Wipes make easily available sanitisers.