A Maori "putorino" Wooden Wind Instrument - Apr 11, 2023 | John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. In Ca
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A Maori "Putorino" wooden wind instrument

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A Maori "Putorino" wooden wind instrument
A Maori "Putorino" wooden wind instrument
Item Details
Description
A Maori "Putorino" wooden wind instrument
Mid/late 19th century; Maori Peoples, New Zealand
The bugle flute with a central grimacing mask carving featuring an oval aperture in the form of a mouth and inlaid paua (abalone) eyes; the two hollowed wood pieces held together with natural fiber cord lashings
16.5" H x 1.75" W x 1.25" D
Provenance: Property of the American Broadcasting Company, New York
Walt Disney Co., Burbank, California, acquired by corporate merger with the above;
Private Collection, Los Angeles, California, acquired from the above

Other Notes: One of the enigmas of Oceanic music is the putorino, an instrument once made by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) that may have been played as a flute or as a trumpet. Carved from a block of matai wood (Podocarpus spicatus) to mimic a case moth's (tungou ngou) cocoon, the putorino is formed by splitting the wood, hollowing the inside, and lashing it back together with vine. The putorino has a feminine voice representing the female ancestor Hineraukatauri, who personifies flute music.
Condition
Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, indentations, and separation at joints commensurate with age. Some of the cotton twine used as lashing for the two pieces of wood is missing on the upper third. As well, the twine on the lower end is loose and and the two ends appears to have loosely tied togrther to prevent further unravelling. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
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A Maori "Putorino" wooden wind instrument

Estimate $8,000 - $12,000
See Sold Price
Starting Price $6,000
26 bidders are watching this item.

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Item located in Monrovia, CA, us
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John Moran Auctioneers, Inc.

John Moran Auctioneers, Inc.

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Monrovia, CA, United States11,341 Followers
Auction Curated By
Jennifer Wilson
Fine Art Director
Maranda Moran
Specialist, American Indian Arts
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