Carved Putatara (Conch Shell Trumpet) by Alex Sands

Carved Putatara by Alex Sands

Conch shell with NZ Totara wood carved mouthpiece

measures 27cm x 11cm x 13cm 

This hand carved putatara features a totara wood mouthpiece carved with a double wheku design and engraved with unaunahi with inlaid with NZ paua shell eyes and feathers.

About Pututara: 

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.