What is this artifact?

What do you think it is made of?

Answers:

This is a pu'ili from Hawaii. It is a kind of rattle used in hula dancing, which is the traditional style of dance developed by the native people of Hawaii. In hula dancing, flowing movements and chanted words are used to tell stories or represent the movements of nature. Dancers use the pu'ili by hitting their hand or another pu'ili, making a distinctive sound.

What do you think it is made of?

The pu'ili is made from bamboo, which grows all over the Hawaiian islands. Notches are carved in the sides to allow sound to be made when they are struck. See below for a link with instructions on making your own!

For more information, visit:

• This artifact in the Karshner Digital Collections
• Artifact Worksheets you can use in your classroom or for homeschool
• [YouTube] How to Use the Pu'ili in Hula
• [Wiki] Hula
• Make your own pu'ili!

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