Pa'u mango (shark skin drum)

item details

NamePa'u mango (shark skin drum)

ProductionUnknown; 1880s; Rarotonga

Classificationpercussion instruments, drums

Materialswood, sharkskin, sennit

Materials SummaryWood, shark skin, sennit (coconut husk fibre)

DimensionsOverall: 570mm (height), 380mm (diameter)

Registration NumberFE001197

Credit linePurchased 1916

Overview

This pa'u mango (smaller skin drum) is from the Cook Islands. It has a convex cylindrical wooden body, which has been hollowed out from both ends, leaving a solid septum closer to the base than the top. There are thirteen square holes evenly spaced around the drum near the base - two of these have broken out and are open to the base. The top is covered with shark skin, lashed on with lengths of plaited sennit (coconut husk fibre) cord, which are drawn taut and fastened to the base through the square holes. The drum is decorated with sets of crosses, triangles, and stars. The words 'PAMATI', 'ALAULA', 'NAKALIUMALIA', and 'NALIIIPII' (names referring to places in the Cook Islands) are placed vertically on the wooden base.

Usage
In the past, pa'u mango were used in civil and religious ceremonies and were also beaten to announce peace.

Acquisition
This pa'u mango was purchased at an auction in 1916.