An instrument with Marquesan roots
An Instrument with Marquesan Roots
The vivo, or pu ihu in the Marquesas, is a traditional Polynesian nose flute made from bamboo. Measuring 20 to 40 cm long, it features a notch for blowing and two to three finger holes, enough to produce a sound range that is both simple and expressive. Variations exist, reflecting the spread of this instrument throughout the Polynesian triangle.
A Craft at the Heart of Traditional Arts
For his diploma at the Center for Traditional Arts, Keanu immersed himself in making the vivo.
- Material Selection: a bamboo with a regular cross-section is chosen; its length determines the pitch range (short = high, long = low).
- Cutting and Balancing: after sealing one end, the mouth notch is carved and the internal chamber is calibrated.
- Hole Drilling: traditionally 2 to 3 holes, but can go up to 7 or 8 to increase melodic freedom.
- Decorative Pyrography: geometric or symbolic patterns reflecting Polynesian spirituality.
Each step requires precision and patience; the artisan’s touch directly affects the instrument’s tuning and the richness of its tone.
The nasal technique and mana
The vivo is played at an angle, with one nostril blocked and the other blowing into the notch. This particular “nasal breathing” limits the fingering and gives the instrument an intimate, almost whispered sound.
Keanu says, “You can feel a thrill; the mana.”
From tradition to the contemporary scene
Historically played during pastoral solos or sacred ceremonies, the vivo is experiencing a revival.
- Cultural festivals: introductory workshops, demonstrations, and Polynesian music jams.
- Modern collaborations: fusion with percussion, contemporary vocals, or electronic textures.
- Research and teaching: the center for trades and arts now offers dedicated modules.
Keeping the spirit alive: a call for new breathers
The vivo remains little known outside Polynesia. To help spread the word, you can
- Participate in a craft workshop (reed weaving, drilling, pyrography).
- Learn nasal breathing and how to play your first tunes.
- Share your experiences and creations, on stage or online, to enrich the vivo community.
Open one nostril, breathe into the other… and let yourself be carried away by an ancestral breath, a vehicle of memory and renewal.
About the author
Maeva LAUTRET Driven by her love of words and a deep connection to the culture of Fenua, Maeva writes meaningful, gentle, and authentic stories for anoe-tahiti.com.
“I love words that feel right words that resonate. Telling beautiful stories means stirring emotions. And emotion is the bridge between beauty and truth.”
REDSOYU agency