Rangi pai ake

Taonga puoro / musical instrument
Reclaimed Matai, Maire, Mammoth tusk mount
130 x 140mm

This Nguru is carved from recycled Matai , the large end is stylised as the face of Rangi pai ake and the player has to hongi to help create the music, which is seen as the combined breaths and voices of both. The surface pattern depicts that music going out making pleasing shapes in the silence.
An ancient purakau tells of a time when the demigod, Maui had changed into a Kahu to escape the wrath of his Grand-mother Mahuika, when back to safety he needed one of the birds to bring him water to reverse the change. Totowai the tiny robin tried but couldn't bring enough so was given long legs as he was a ground feeder. Being a ground feeder also, Kokako saw this as an opportunity, so went to get water which allowed the shapeshifting to happen. Maui was delighted and gave Kokako several wishes, so Kokako also had his legs stretched out. His second wish was for coloured wattles like the gorgeous Huia. Next he wanted to be able to sing like Raukatauri the tiny casemoth, this was simple and Maui replied that Kokako just needed to eat some of them’ { they still do this with much relish }
Underneath the nguru is a carving of Kokako who has heard the song of the nguru and come to improve his song, as kokako are known as the purest noted songbirds in the world.
The carving sits on a plinth of Maire held by a swivel of Mammoth tusk.
- Brian Flintoff