KeOlaMagazine.com | July - August 2022
By Nancy S Kahalewai
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here are few things as unique as the feel, shape, sound, texture, decoration, source, and even lineage of a Hawaiian ipu drum. Pahu (drums) are part of the bedrock of traditional Hawaiian hula traditions, dancing, and chanting—thus oral storytelling itself. Ipu refers to the gourd or fruit of the Cucurbitaceae (squash) family Lagenaria siceraria. Although not edible, this gourd was so valuable to Polynesian culture that it was one of the original voyaging canoe plants of Pacifica, where its bowl shape was very handy at sea for serving food, holding bait and fish, catching rainwater from the sails, or bailing out water from the canoe hulls. The historical uses of this plant’s fruit include diverse purposes such as water vessels, storage containers, rattles, and ceremonies. 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). Also used are the smaller ‘ulī‘ulī gourds for rhythmic accompaniment. All steps of growing, cultivating, pollinating, harvesting, cleaning, decorating, playing, sharing, and overall appreciation of ipu drums are full of meaning, as well as challenges. For example, the weather may ruin entire crops and the bugs love to bite the fruits, which ruin the development of the gourds.
Establishing Relationships In Kona, Keauhou farmer Kalim Smith calls this whole process “from seed to stage.” For him it is a very personal and intimate journey that includes knowing where and who the seeds came from, how to save and plant seeds, noticing if they grow happily or not, where in the garden they thrive, if they need water or more shade, and basically deeply observing them for at least nine months as they ascend the trellises he builds over them. Ipu seed stocks are valued and shared based on the desired sizes and shapes, as well as their source. Kalim prefers to plant his seeds directly into the soil. Because Kona is so rocky, this includes adding mulch and a bit of animal fertilizer. “It’s very hard to transplant young plants as their roots are so sensitive and timing has to be just right,” he says. “I also like to hand pollinate my plants.” Once mature, the gourds are harvested, cleaned, and prepared for their next destination and purpose. Kalim is known for his ipu heke, which for him includes matching the shapes and sounds with the kumu hula who chooses his A single gourd growing. photo courtesy of Kalim Smith
