NMM 1808. Gourd drum (ipu heke ‘ole), Hawaii, mid-20th century. Single, hollow, calabash gourd drum with cord for carrying. Single-gourd ipus are often played for self-accompaniment by seated dancers or by accompanying musicians (ho’opa’a). The basic rhythm consists of the upbeat, te, played with the fingers on the side of the ipu, and the downbeat, u, played by striking the palm against the bottom of the ipu or by striking the ipu against the ground. Double-gourd ipus, called ipu heke, are played in the same way. Gift of Linda Hansen Solheim, Estherville, Iowa, 1977.

Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM

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