Pūniu (Knee drum)

Pūniu. Thigh drum. This drum is made from a coconut shell with a cover of skin from the kala (unicorn fish) which is secured with plant fibre lashing coloured a golden yellow with 'olena (turmeric). The same fibre cordage is used for two long braided ties as well as the incorporated netting. The pūniu would be tied to the thigh of the kumu hula to beat with one hand while performing a beat with an ipu (gourd) in the other. The coconut shell sits on a ring-shaped buffer that is wrapped in kapa (bark cloth) providing a stable base for the drum. The kapa and the shark skin cover are natural in colour, while the coconut shell is dark brown in colour.