Palau (drum)

This is a palau (drum) made for children on Niue who parade them through the village on New Year's Eve. The cloth is wetted when the drum is to be played.

Significance

The palau is constructed from an empty British Paints tin with lid and bottom removed and replaced with cotton cloth held in place with cane. The bindings and suspension cord are of white synthetic string.

Acquisition History

This palau was made by Jo Saulo in Niue and given by him to Rev. Lagi Sipeli who offered it to the museum in 1996. Rev. Sipeli was the Niue representative on Te Papa’s Pacific Advisory Committee at the time.