nguru (flute)

Date1800s

Mediumsperm whale ivory

Dimensions2 × 1 1/2 × 5 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 12.7 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.2277

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionSperm whale tooth hollowed and pierced to create a flute. Surface is incised (relief carved) with simple Māori geometric design. This specimen is evidently from a whale tooth that was previously used for scrimshaw, engraved remnants of which remain on the surface. Flutes such as this were made commonly of stone, more rarely of wood and occasionally of whale ivory.Label TextMāori maker once known (Aotearoa), nguru (flute), 1800s. Sperm whale ivory, 2 x 1 1/2 x 5 in., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 2001.100.2277.Provenance Provenance: W. H. Dinges, Huntsville, AL; Rafael Osona, Nantucket, MA; Ryan Cooper, Yarmouth Port, MA.

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