"Hōʻike a Hoʻōla i ka Pūtātara - Revealing and Reviving the Conch Trumpet"
Crafting a Pūtātara: A Blend of Hawaiian and Māori Traditions
Embark on a melodious journey through Polynesian history with our Crafting the Pūtātara program! Join us for six transformative Saturdays as we delve into the ancient art of creating Pūtātara - traditional conch shell trumpets with a unique Māori twist.
Guided by experienced craftsmen and cultural experts, you will learn to craft these stunning instruments using native Hawaiian woods such as koa or milo for the mouthpieces and sourced conch shells. Each class is designed to teach you the skills of shaping, carving, and assembling your Pūtātara, combining beauty with harmonic function.
This enriching experience does more than teach a craft; it connects you deeply with the mana of our ancestors and the shared cultural pathways of the Hawaiian and Māori peoples. The total cost of this two-week program varies, based on resource availability. Scholarships are often times available through generous donations.
Join us in celebrating and perpetuating the rich sounds and stories of the Pacific. Let's keep the legacy of our 'kupuna' (elders) alive with every note played!
"Echoes of the Ocean: Exploring the Sacred Shell Instruments of the Pacific"
Shell instruments resonate with profound meaning throughout the Pacific, where they are employed to celebrate new beginnings, commemorate the departed, mark ceremonial milestones, and connect us with the elemental forces of nature. The ocean's diverse sounds are mirrored in the skilled performances of these instruments. This workshop will explore three distinct types of shell-based Taonga Puoro:
Pūmoana: Crafted from a large conch shell, this instrument is endearingly known throughout the Pacific as the "Pū".
Pūtātara: Similar in design to the Pūmoana, the Pūtātara features an extended wooden mouthpiece.
Pūpu: This instrument is made from various small snail shells sourced from both terrestrial and marine environments.
Participants will learn not only the techniques for playing these Taoga Puoro but also their genealogical and cultural significance, as well as the places in Aotearoa known for their unique acoustic properties.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jerome Kavanaugh Poutama for his skill and expertise demonstrated in playing the Pūtātara, Pūmoana, and Pūpū.