Pa`u mangō (skin drum)

item details

NamePa`u mangō (skin drum)

ProductionRurutaura Tauta; 1992; Aitutaki Atoll
Teokotai Pita

Classificationpercussion instruments, drums

Materialswood, goatskin, iron, rope

Materials Summarywood - heart casurina (toa), goat skin, iron, synthetic rope

DimensionsOverall: 450mm (height), 315mm (diameter)

Registration NumberFE010085

Credit linePurchased 1992 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds

Overview

This pa'u mango (smaller skin drum) is from the Cook Islands. It is part of a complete tini ka'ara (drum ensemble) comprising six drums - two skin drums and four wooden slit drums.

Two types of skin drums
The pa'u mango is the smaller of the two skin drums. The pa'u is the larger. Pa'u mango used to be made with sharkskin membrane, but nowadays animal skin is used. This example is made of tamanu wood and is beaten with the bare hands. In the past, pa'u mango were used in civil and religious ceremonies and were also sounded to announce peace.

Drum makers
This pa'u mango was made for Te Papa in 1992 by Mr Rurutaura Tauta and Mr Teokotai Pita of Vaepae village, Aitutaki. Mr Tauta is established as one of the experts in this craft having learned it from his father. He supplies drums to Aitutaki bands in New Zealand and also makes them on commission for groups in Rarotonga.