Flute

Short hollow cylinder of wood slightly thicker in the middle than at the ends, covered with incised carving. Three inlaid haliotis (abalone) (paua) shell rings. Purchased at auction from J. C. Stevens, London, on April 16, 1912. The catalogue description reads as follows: "Rehu, a wooden war whistle. It is of the peculiar phallic shape, shaped after ancient savage custom for insulting an enemy. The holes are inset with paua or haliotis shell discs. This form of musical instrument is very rare."