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Pūtātara (shell trumpet)

Pūtātara (shell trumpet)
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About this item

Title
Pūtātara (shell trumpet)
Content partner
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Collection
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Description

Pūtātara were used to communicate over distances and were treasured as heirlooms by chiefly families. They were made from conch or triton shells, and made a loud sound which carried long distances when blown. The tip of the shell was cut off and replaced by a wooden, usually carved, mouthpiece.

Format
Image
Date created
13 April 2010
Contributing partner
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
URL
https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/21997/putatara-shell-trumpet

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