Jew's harps were one of a host of European instruments taken up by Māori after whalers, sealers, sailors and traders brought them to New Zealand. One end of the Jew's harp is placed in the mouth and a reed attached to the frame is plucked to create a twanging sound. The sound is varied by moving the mouth and changing the air flow.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library, Tesla Studios Collection (PAColl-3046)
Reference:
1/2-008441-G
Photograph by Frank J. Denton
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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