Blue Glass Koauau

- Mike Cameron

This stunning piece features a blue cast glass Koauau with Manaia attached to a swamp Kauri end lashed and wax cord. The piece sits on a perspex base.

"Contemporary Koaua of Flute. Made using mixed media of wood, cast glass and fibre. The Koauau are the most common traditional Maori mouth flute, usually made from native wood with a soft inner pith that was burnt out using hot embers. They typically had three notes -with finger holes on top and one underneath. Some were made from kelp, albatross wing bones, human bones and possibly moa bones.

The glass element represents Tangaroa(God of the sea) whilst the Swamp Kauri or other wood represents Tane ( God of the Forest). Mike has made a twist on a contemporary piece made from wood and glass. By adding the glass manaia it gives a different sound altogether.

Koauau has many uses - They are known to attract native birds who interact with the sound. They were used to welcome people into life and to help assist the spirit as it leaves life as well as they were also used to help heal broken bones.

Once played, the breath of Mauri (life force) enters the Koauau and makes it sing the sounds of Tawhirimatea (God of Wind), across Tangoroa and in the footsteps of Tane. This sound sends messages to our Tupuna (Ancestors) and realms beyond our own". - Mike Cameron

Dimensions (without frame)

Width - 40mm x Height - 98mm x Length - 135mm