La‘amaikahiki is credited with bringing the sharkskin drum to Hawai‘i from Tahiti. It is believed that prior to the introduction of the pahu, it was the ipu heke (double-gourd drum) that provided the rhythmic accompaniment to the oli (chant).

Th e Ipu Heke drum, or double drum, is a traditional Hawaiian instrument. It is made by cutting two specific kinds of gourds and fitting them together in a precise manner. Th e bottom of the drum requires a Tall-Body gourd that has a flat bottom and is perfectly symmetrical.

As the rhythmic heartbeat of Hawaiian culture, the Ipu Heke holds a special place in the foundation of hula. This traditional percussion instrument not only sets the pace for hula dancers but also embodies the essence of our Hawaiian heritage.

Jul 1, 2022 · For centuries in the Hawaiian Islands, the decorated bowl-shaped ipu ‘umeke was also inverted for use as a ceremonial headdress, while the double ipu heke drums became invaluable as percussion instruments for ‘oli (chanting) or hula kahiko (ancient hula).

The hula ipu heke (images below) is a combination of two gourds, one being the heke (head) and the other, on a larger scale, called the ki (body). Both the heke and the ki would be lashed internally with 'aha and ulu (breadfruit) sap to hold them together.

Jan 20, 2025 · Hawaii National Park, HAWAI‘I – The third episode in a new video series produced, created and hosted by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers, invites viewers to delve into the art of ipu heke ʻole, the single gourd drum used in Hawaiian hula.

Ipu heke is a combination of two gourds. Heke means upper, and Ipu heke means "Ipu that has another ipu on the top". Wrap a string or cloth around the joint part between the two gourds, and wrap the tip of the string or cloth around your wrist when you use it. Hit the side of the gourd or against the ground to make a sound.

Aug 16, 2019 · Aloha Everyone! Want to learn about the ipu & the ipu heke? In this video I will explain the differences, how to play each and what types of hula each ipu goes with.

Jun 27, 2021 · When you hear ipu on the hula dance performance or stage, it refers to these gourd instruments. Ipu has a very important role for the traditional style of Hula, called Hula Kahiko, to give the beat to the performance and almost always used for Hula Kahiko.

An Ipu Heke is a traditional Hawaiian drum. It is made from a pair of gourds. It is used in hula. I built this ipu at a one day workshop held at the Caning Shop in Berkeley, CA. The building processing is pretty straightforward. The process is detailed in the book How to Make Hawaiian Instruments (see Resources section below).