'Ohe hano 'ihu

human history

'Ohe hano 'ihu. Nose flute. This is a cylindrical musical instrument that has been cut from a length of 'ohe (bamboo). One end is closed by the node septum and the other end is open. There is a nose hole at the closed end and then three finger holes further along the 'ohe. This 'ohe hano ihu is a faded yellow colour. The player would use their nose at the closed end of the flute to emit a melody through the use of the finger holes. This instrument would be played solo, although it has also been described alongside hula. The 'ohe hano 'ihu would be used to convey messages of love and features in many Hawaiian stories of courtship and romance.

Accession number: 1989.64 Last Update: 19 Nov 2025
Other Name

'ohe hano iho (Hawaiian)

Bamboo nose flute (English)

Nose flute (English)

Accession Number

1989.64

Accession Date

17 Apr 1989

Other Id

53122 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Ohe hano 'ihu, 1989.64, 53122, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 16 Mar 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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