item details
NameTītē (drumstick)
ProductionTeokotai Pita; maker/artist; 1992; Aitutaki Atoll
Rurutaura Tauta; maker/artist; 1992
Rurutaura Tauta; maker/artist; 1992
Classificationmusical instruments, drumsticks
Materialswood
Materials Summarywood - lemon hibiscus (au)
DimensionsOverall: 350mm (length), 60mm (diameter)
Registration NumberFE010074
Credit linePurchased 1992 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds
Overview
This titi (drumstick) is made from the wood of the lemon hibiscus (au) and is used to play the large pa'u mango (bass drum).
Drum makers
The titi was made in the southern Cook Islands and is part of a complete tini ka'ara (drum ensemble) made for Te Papa in 1992 by Mr Rurutaura Tauta and Mr Teokotai Pita of Vaepae village, Aitutaki. Mr Tauta is an established expert in drum making, having learnt the craft from his father.
In the 1990s, he supplied drums to Aitutaki bands based in New Zealand and also made them on commission for groups in Rarotonga.