Jew's Harp

Unknown

19th century · Bamboo, fiber. · Musical Instruments

The Maori jew's harp (rooria or kukau) is used, like the musical bow in other parts of Polynesia and Melanesia, to simulate lover's speech. Made of flexible bamboo; it is held against the teeth while the split tongue is plucked. Changes of timbre occur as the player alters the formation of his mouth cavity; thus, the rooria can imitate speech patterns. The quiet sound is sometimes accompanied by guttural voiced tones.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Bamboo, fiber.

Culture

New Zealander

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889