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.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
ME003937
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou