How To Make An Ukutangi

 This is my explanation writing of how to make a traditional Maori Ukutangi. Explanation writing comes with a hook, a focus sentence and background info. In class, we made one and we are giving it to someone special in our life. There is a lot of different type of Taonga Puoro but in class, we made 1 of the hundreds. An Ukutangi. This explanation teaches you how to make one.

   Traditional Taonga Puoro

He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your

praises.” -Hebrews 2:12. When we make music we feel alive and happy.

Taonga Puoro’s are traditional Maori musical instruments; they were used for messages,

ceremonies and making a calm space. Taonga Puoro’s have had a special place in Maori

tradition for centuries and slowly they spread around the globe! There are many different

types and read on if you want to make one of them. An Ukutangi. To make a Ukutangi you

need to know-how. This explanation will teach you.

                                                        

To Start Off Your Ukutangi

Firstly, to make a traditional Ukutangi you need to have some clay. This clay can be any type of

colour. After you have found some clay, you need to roughly split it in half.

Pick up one half and start to mould it into a rough sphere.

Then you imprint your thumb in the middle of your sphere and use your

first three fingers to pinch and rotate the sides. The thumb will be in the middle to rotate and the other

two will be pinching the sides. The sides need to be thick to make a proper sound. After you finish

your first half, repeat on the second.

                                                         Making Some Noise

After you have finished making the two halves into a bowl-like shape, you use a toothpick to softly

scratch the tops of your Ukutangi. To continue making your Ukutangi, you need to combine your two

bowls and smooth down the line. Finally, you grab your pinky finger and drill a hole in the top of your

Ukutangi until you come to the space in it. 

                                                             Enjoy Your Maori Ukutangi

After you have let the clay dry you have a traditional Maori Ukutangi. You can carve in designs and

make bird noises too! Just blow half your breath in the Ukutangi and half out. Have fun and teach others

to do the same. Ecclesiastes 8:15 “So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.

So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth...”