Th e Ipu Heke drum, or double drum, is a traditional Hawaiian instrument. It is made by cutting two specific kinds of gourds and fitting them together in a precise manner. Th e bottom of the drum requires a Tall-Body gourd that has a flat bottom and is perfectly symmetrical.

The gourd, otherwise described as ipu, contains a holistic role within Hawaiian history and culture. Physically, the ipu can be used to carry food and water or store personal items. It can also be used to produce kani (sound) for mele (song) and hula (dance). Spiritually, the ipu has been used as a significant metaphor in procreation stories.

Large gourd drums called ipu hula are unique to Hawai'i. Ipu hula are fashioned from two ipu (gourds), a smaller one forming the top and a larger one the lower portion of the instrument. The gourds are specially cultivated to obtain the desired shape.

La‘amaikahiki is credited with bringing the sharkskin drum to Hawai‘i from Tahiti. It is believed that prior to the introduction of the pahu, it was the ipu heke (double-gourd drum) that provided the rhythmic accompaniment to the oli (chant).

2023年9月27日 · The rhythmic beat of the ipu heke ʻole, single gourd drum, is prominent in hula kahiko (traditional hula). Crafting an ipu heke ʻole is an intricate process that involves growing and shaping the gourds, hand pollinating the plants, and constructing trellises so they grow to produce a beautiful sound.

2022年7月1日 · There are few things as unique as the feel, shape, sound, texture, decoration, source, and even lineage of a Hawaiian ipu drum. Pahu (drums) are part of the bedrock of traditional Hawaiian hula traditions, dancing, and chanting—thus oral storytelling itself.

2019年8月16日 · In this video I will explain the differences, how to play each and what types of hula each ipu go...

Physically, the ipu can be used to carry food and water or store personal items. It can also be used to produce kani (sound) for mele (song) and hula (dance). Ipu hula are used to provide the fundamental rhythm for chants and dances, especially, as the name indicates, various forms of Hawaiian hula. It can be played by musicians of either sex.