Description

Koauau

Koauau Maori wooden flute with stand.

Info about kōauau

Kōauau are the most common type of Māori flute, and traditionally were made from various woods, kelp or bones. They range in length from about 10cm to 38.5 cm.

They usually have have three finger-holes, known as wenewene. The sounds are further manipulated with slight movements of tongue and lips.

Kōauau are used in entertainment, but also for healing and grieving and to ease pain. The music of kōauau always had words and an expert player could make these heard through the instrument.

Source: Te Ara – Maori musical instruments >>

Playing a kōauau

Now, there’s a challenge. Kōaua are a beautiful part of Maori culture. However, it is not easy to play a Maori kōauau. Have you heard someone play the koauau? The sounds of a koauau are quite haunting, and really beautiful – you ‘feel’ the koauau when you hear the kōauau. Check out YouTube videos.

Size koauau

Koauau: 14cmx3.3cm (5.51″x1.30″)
Stand:14cmx4cm (5.51″x1.57)

More about tulip wood

In New Zealand, Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree is commonly referred to as “NZ Tulip wood”. The tree is tall, handsome, fast-growing shade, ornamental or timber tree that forms a tall pyramidal crown. The large saddle-shaped leaves are bright green and turn yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green, tulip-like flowers are produced in spring at the branch tips.