Hula Rattle
2004-20-1
From: United States of America | Hawaiian Islands | Oahu | Honolulu
Curatorial Section: Oceanian
| Native Name | 'Uli 'uli |
| Object Number | 2004-20-1 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Hawaiian |
| Provenience | United States of America | Hawaiian Islands | Oahu | Honolulu |
| Culture Area | Oceania | Polynesia |
| Date Made | ca. 1950 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Gourd | Seeds (uncertain) | Feathers | Down (material) | Peel | Leaf | Cotton (uncertain) |
| Description | A gourd rattle (ʻulīʻulī) filled with small seeds or stones. Handle ending in a disk covered with cloth and light orange and bright yellow feathers (possibly chicken) and yellow down. Feathers dyed. Handle lashed to gourd with rattan peel and palm leaves. The ʻulīʻulī is a Hawaiian rattle used primarily as a rhythmic accompaniment for hula (dance). The ʻulīʻulī supported chant and movement by providing rhythmic structure and accentuating gestures. Its sound was produced through shaking, striking, and controlled movement of the seeds within the gourd, allowing for varied effects during performances. |
| Length | 21 cm |
| Outside Diameter | 13 cm |
| Credit Line | Gift of Annette Merle-Smith, 2004 |
Report problems and issues to digitalmedia@pennmuseum.org.