Hula Sticks (Kala'au), Hawaii, mid-20th century Click on image below to see larger image NMM 1807. Hula sticks (kala’au), Hawaii, mid-20th century. Two wooden sticks struck together by dancers as a rhythmic accompaniment to hulas (narrative dances intended to tell a story). In Hawaii, as in most Polynesian cultures, great importance is placed on the power of words. Meles, the poetic texts of chants and songs, are perceived as connections to the supernatural world. As these chants and songs are sung, they are simultaneously enacted visually through hula dances. Length: 26 cm (10-1/4"). Gift of Linda Hansen Solheim, Estherville, Iowa, 1977. Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD   57069 ©National Music Museum, 2008 Most recent update:   August 28, 2008 You are the 308th visitor to this page since August 28, 2008. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page