08 March 2010

Local Maori artist offers a special class at IPC

By Emu Izaki.

Gordy Kerr shows students 'pukaia'

“What a big sound!” “It vibrates my guts!” In front of mesmerised students was local Maori artist, Gordy Kerr. Gordy has many faces: carver, musician, ta moko (Maori design) tattooist, and kapa haka (traditional Maori performance) instructor. He visited a Spoken English class at IPC to introduce students to traditional Maori musical instruments and teach them how to make one of their own.

One of the instruments Gordy played was the “pukaia”. According to history, this long, wooden trumpet was used to communicate with people at long distance across the hills. Other instruments demonstrated were various “putorino”, which mimics the mating sound of the humpback whale, and the swinging “purerehua” that makes the sound of the flying night moth. The students had a go at these instruments and were very much intrigued by the unfamiliar sounds.

The music session was then followed by a “putangitangi” class. Putangitangi is a small, round music instrument made with red raku clay. Its calming sound is used to soothe women in childbirth and mourners at funerals, sending off the deceased to their next life. Firstly, the students made two round cups and stuck them together, smoothing the joint so that air couldn’t escape. Then they put in holes for blowing and changing tunes. The students were absorbed and busy moving their hand while talking with Gordy about his knowledge of Maori culture.

Some students found it hard to make a sound with their own putangitangi at first, but with Gordy’s instruction, they slowly got it right. They finished this special class, saying with smiles “it was such a different and fun class today”.

Students having a go at the instruments

Yushi Tsutumi learning how 'putorino' makes sounds

Gordy showing students how to make a 'putangitangi'

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