Context (Auction / Sale)
Stevens Sale Catalogue, for Tuesday, 16th April 1912, with note on front cover of Tatara and price paid, in MAA Archives OA4/6/3.
On p.9. "Lot 41a. Tatara, or Pu Kaea, war trumpet of wood, 6 feet in length, bound round its entire length with vine. It has a bell shaped mouth with six projections ornamented with carving. These implements are very rare. Manning, in his book, Pakeha Maori, sates: - 'This was a huge wooden trumpet, which gave forth a groaning, moaning sound, like the voice of a dying wild bull. It was used during war to hint to any lurking, besieging enemy hat all were wide awake in the besieged fort, or rather assure him positively of it, for who could sleep with that diabolical din in his ears'."
14/09/2018
Created by: Jos Dudding (Admin) on 14/09/2018

Description (CMS Description)
Sale catalogue for sale of "Maori Weapons, Implements, Ornaments and Robes" at J.C. Steven's Auction Rooms. Ms. note on cover indicates that lot 41a, a Tatara or war trumpet, was purchased for £15.
Acc 1912.9 AR 1912.631
01/06/1998
Created by: maa on 01/06/1998