Pukaea (long trumpet)

This small, well preserved, pūkaea (long trumpet) is customary in form. Pūkaea are wooden trumpets made from a long stem and a gaping bell-like mouth bound tightly together with vine. Their size ranged from smaller specimens, like this one, to examples approaching 2500 millimetres.

UsagePūkaea were typically used as loud, dramatic, signalling devices during war, but were also used on ceremonial occassions during times of peace. Like other wind instruments, pūkaea belong to the family of Hineraukatauri (goddess of flutes), and deliver a strong, trumpeting, male sound.