Pūniu

human history

Pūniu. Thigh drum. This drum is made from a coconut shell with a cover of skin from the kala (unicorn fish) which is secured with plant fibre lashing coloured a golden yellow with ‘olena (turmeric). The same fibre cordage is used for two long braided ties as well as the incorporated netting. The pūniu would be tied to the thigh of the kumu hula to beat with one hand while performing a beat with an ipu (gourd) in the other. The coconut shell sits on a ring-shaped buffer that is wrapped in kapa (bark cloth) providing a stable base for the drum. The kapa and the shark skin cover are natural in colour, while the coconut shell is dark brown in colour.

Accession number: 1989.64 Last Update: 19 Nov 2025
Other Name

Puniu (Hawaiian)

Knee drum (English)

Accession Number

1989.64

Accession Date

17 Apr 1989

Other Id

53114 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Pūniu, 1989.64, 53114, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 15 Mar 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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