| Native Name | Kōauau |
| Object Number | P3208 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Maori |
| Provenience | New Zealand |
| Period | Te Huringa I Period |
| Date Made | 1800 - 1900 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Wood | Abalone |
| Description | A kōauau (flute) made of wood. Short hollow cylinder of wood, slightly thicker in the middle than at the ends, covered with incised carving. Three inlaid pāua (abalone) shell rings. The kōauau is a small flute that can have anywhere between three to six finger holes. They can be made out of bone, stone, or wood and are often used in courtship. They are associated with Hineraukatauri, who is the goddess of flute music. |
| Length | 19.5 cm |
| Width | 4 cm |
| Credit Line | Purchased from the J. C. Stevens Auction Rooms, 1912 |
| Other Number | 27556 - Dealer's Number | 42a - Dealer's Number |
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