New Zealand
Maori  People

Ostrich leg bone, coral
ca. 1980s
Length: 13 in; Diameter: 2 in
Aerophone – Wind Instrument Proper – Edge-Blown Flute

This rehu is a cross-blown (transverse) flute carved from an ostrich bone, by Brian Flintoff.  There are five carved faces, represented on the flute.  The side-blown aperture is carved to represent the kokako (bird), and when you are playing, you must bring the nose of the kokako face to yours as in traditional hongi or greeting.  At the bottom, is carved the figure of a personified Raukatauri (Goddess of Music), with her mouth open to sing through.   On the top end that is plugged, an elaboration of the butterfly face is presented, acknowledging the gift of flight.  On the backside of this rehu, there are two rows of linked manaia faces (looks like waves) the length of the flute.  These represent passing down the twin traditions of words and tunes.

Through a special request, this rehu was made by New Zealand Maori master carver Brian Flintoff.  He is author of “Taonga Puoro: Singing Treasurers” and is a celebrated New Zealand carver featured in Donn Salt’s book “Stone, Bone and Jade.”

Resource: “Rehu,” Mervyn McLean / Teurikore Biddle. ‘Groves Dictionary of Musical Instruments.’ 2nd ed., Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press. Vol 4, pg 292.