Pahu

Pahu 1. generic name for membrane drums in Polynesia. They are made of breadfruit tree wood or hollowed coconut palm, with laced sharkskin heads, usually of conical shape with a single head. The height is 30–90 cm. (1–3 ft.). Those of Hawaii were imported from the south some 6 centuries ago. Some specimens have elaborately carved pedestals or bases; on some S. Seas islands these reach a total of 2½ m. (8 ft.), 30 cm. (1 ft.) in diam. Formerly used in religious ceremonies, the drums are played…