South Pacific, Polynesia or Hawaiian Islands, ca. 20th century CE. A knee-drum known as a puniu, constructed from hide and a hollow coconut shell, with woven rattan holding the hide in place. The drum is a small size and very portable. The tympanum is likely made from goat hide, and the surface is very taut and still makes sound when tapped. The edges of the hide retain areas of orange-brown hairs. Drums played an important part in traditional ceremonies and dances; the puniu drums were tied to a knee while the player sat cross legged and struck the drum with a mallet. Before the European introduction of livestock, puniu were often constructed with shark or fish skins. Size: 4.5" W x 4" H (11.4 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142564

Fraying and tearing of rattan. Great patina on coconut shell and hide. Still makes sound!