Maori legend tells that when Tane descended from the heavens carrying Te Kete O Te Wananga (the three baskets of knowledge) gifted from his father Rangi, he left behind a putatara as a koha (gift).
This and other legends indicates why this instrument forms an important cornerstone of Maori practises and spiritual beliefs. A warrior fit beyond modern conceptions could sound the 'voice' of a putatara over many miles signaling an enemies advance. Conversely when played by a tohunga (priest) the instrument can produce a remarkable range of sounds, easily described as other worldly.
Once painstakingly drilled and stitched together the two main component parts represent koha from their respective Atua (gods): Tangaroa (god/guardian of the ocean) the shell and Tane Mahuta (god/guardian of the forest) the wood.
