Koauau Handcarved Taonga Puoro from Recycled Fijiian Kauri with stand

This auction is for a unique handcrafted wooden flute, or Koauau. If you have been considering trying these traditional Maori musical instruments but do not want to start with a more expensive one decorated with Whakaairo, this would be a good choice to begin with. I have been crafting these Taonga since 1997, and my aim is to make well-crafted, affordable koauau available to anyone who has a desire to take up playing them.

Carved from hard, recycled Fijian Kauri (not NZ), sizewise it is 200mm long x 35mm at the widest point, with a tapering bore ( from 21 -19mm), and being somewhat larger than others I make, it has a deeper, more male Mauri. The playing holes increase in size toward the bottom end and the bore has been done from both ends rather than by one long drilling. This gives increased width in the middle making a deeper, clearer tone. The bore and each playing hole have been fire-hardened, and it is finished naturally and polished with NZ beeswax and avocado oil, to showcase the beautiful grain. There are no artificial finishes applied, and it comes with a small Rimu stand.

This koauau can also be played from both ends if wished, for a different tonal range. Being made of natural material there may be tiny bumps and imperfections, but these do not affect the performance. (see photos) It is bound at both ends with natural dark fibre .

An original and informative tipsheet is included for those new to playing Taonga Puoro, to get you playing quickly. This taonga has been handcrafted over several days to be played and enjoyed, rather than just admired on a shelf. It is compact enough to take in your pocket. It comes packed in extra beeswax and avocado oil, so it can continue to take up what it requires. Store out of direct, prolonged sunlight so the wood will not crack, and nourish every now and then with a natural oil, such as "Goodlook", a New Zealand made natural treatment.