Skip Content
 Koauau pongaihu
  • * Koauau pongaihu flutes made from uku by Keil Caskey.

Keil Caskey has been moulding a new generation of traditional Māori musical instruments by using uku (clay) to create them.

The sounds these very attractive and well-made instruments make, he says, can help with healing on many levels and create connections with our tūpuna (ancestors).

“I’m applying indigenous philosophy to the ideas around using sound for healing on various levels,” says Wellington-based Keil, who has recently spoken on uku instruments as part of his He Waka Hiringa (Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge) degree presentation at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Hamilton.

His development of ngā taonga pūoro uku (clay musical instruments) follows on from a revival of interest in traditional instruments in the 1980s and also a revival of kaihanga uku (pottery) in the Far North during this time as well.

Keil (Ngātiwai) also saw that historic overseas cultures had used clay for musical instruments.

He started looking at how uku could be applied in non-traditional ways here and developed clay versions of Māori instruments usually created from the likes of wood, hue (gourds) and whale tooth.

The instruments he’s produced from uku (followed by their traditional material) include:

  • - pahu (drum traditionally made from wood)
  • - ngauru (flute traditionally made from whale tooth)
  • - putorino (flute traditionally made from wood)
  • - koauau pongaihu (flute traditionally made from hue)

Keil Caskey

  • * Keil with an uku pahu.

Keil, who has spoken and exhibited extensively in New Zealand and overseas, says his work on sound and its vibrations explores the wider relationship between people and the universe.

It also looks at developing “new sound techniques to assist with healing, both physical and psychological”.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 17 November, 2020

Article By: Stephen Ward



Other Articles

  • 29 October 2025

    Raranga weaves culture and people together

    Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.

  • 29 October 2025

    Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

    Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.

  • 22 October 2025

    From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

    Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

  • 20 October 2025

    Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

    From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.