Pa`u (drum)

This pa'u (large 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 tokere (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. The pa'u is the lowest pitched drum and, along with the four tokere, provides the basic beat patterns - just like a bass drum in a rock drum kit. When a tini ka'ara is used for dances, the pa'u directs the hip and leg movements.

Drum makers

This tini ka'ara 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.