Conch shell trumpet (puhu-puhu)

Puhu puhu is a conch-shell trumpet, played by blowing into a hole made between the mouth piece and the pointed end of the shell.

Puhu-puhu is played by holding the shell horizontally and blowing into the blow hole. Puhu-puhu is played by holding the shell horizontally and blowing into the blow hole. Traditionally, puhu-puhu could only be played by people who have authority granted by local leaders to play the instrument. It is used to call people to gather for village meetings and to announce events. Sailors also use puhu-puhu to call the wind into their sails to aid their travels.

Photo: Mario dos Santos playing puhu-puhu in aldeia Loho Loho Matu, in sub-district Lautem