Drums for Hula

Puniu Hawaiian Drum by Maurice Keola Ohumukini, State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Collection, 2016

Large hollowed out coconut shell with calf skin stretched over the top. Braided cord forms a long strap and the same cord forms a design of lines around the coconut.

To make a Puniu, the top of a coconut is cut off and the meat is cleaned out from the center. The outside is scraped, sanded, and buffed to create the resonance required to accompany the drum. In the traditional fashion, the Puniu and Pahu should be made at the same time to acquire the balance needed to accompany the voice of the chanter. This piece was made in the artist's home while teaching a class in April 2014.

Pahu Drum by Maurice Keola Ohumukini, State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Collection, 2016

Hula protocol dictates that the Pahu Drum is the authority for ancient Hawaiian hulas. When an event takes place, Pahu Drum hulas are performed first. Pahu Drum Hulas are performed with or without the drummer using a Puniu as an accompaniment. A Pahu drum is generally made with the trunk of a coconut or palm tree. It is hollowed out and a design is carved near the bottom of the drum. The head or top of the drum is made of cowhide and strung with either coconut fibers or twine. The size of the drum determines the sound of the drum and the depth creates a deeper sound. The leather is secured tightly to prevent a hollow sound from the drum. Traditionally pahu drums were used in Helau ancient temples. High priests were the only people permitted to strike the drums which were used to summon the elders.