RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Tahuri is a traditional musical instrument from Maluku made from seashells and played by blowing. This instrument has been used since ancient times as a means of communication, especially to signal danger or summon people during traditional ceremonies.

The Tahuri developed among the Maluku people who live in coastal areas. The Tahuri art form began to become widely known around 1958, combining several other traditional Maluku musical instruments.

Each blow of the Tahuri has a specific meaning understood by the Maluku people. For example, one blow indicates a death in the area. 

In addition to its function as a summoning instrument, the Tahuri is also played to accompany traditional dances such as the Cakalele Dance. In performances, the Tahuri is usually played with other instruments, forming an orchestra involving children and teenagers.

The Tahuri is unique in that the size of its shell affects the pitch of the sound it produces. Smaller shells produce a louder sound, while larger shells produce a lower pitch. 

The tahuri is made by drilling holes in shells with a drill and then adjusting the pitch through repeated blowing. Besides Maluku, the tahuri is also known in Biak Regency, Papua, as a summoning instrument and accompaniment to traditional dances. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)