The Manuiki Foundation in cooperation with Halau Hula 'O Lono presents:
An Ipu Heke 'Ole Workshop
Date: June 20
Time: 9:00 to Noon
Where: Halau Hula ‘O Lono, Burien WA.
Workshop donation: $60. (Fee includes cost of gourd ($15), use of tools and materials, and
Foundation ha’awina.)
This will be a 3 hour interactive Ipu Heke 'Ole (Ipu without a head) workshop. It will include
individual and specialized instruction and use of materials and tools. Workshop participants
will learn the uses of this unique instrument as it ties together the ancient and modern culture
of Hawaii. We will review "pre-contact" ipu growing culture, traditional and improvised tools,
and use and care of the ipu. The instructor (alaka'i) is an experienced gourd grower and ipu
maker. His understanding extends to include ipu heke (double gourd ipu), ipu pāwehe (dyed or
stained gourd made by incision), and ipu kunia (burned gourd) as well as the creation of other
Hula implements.
The gourds we will be working with are pre hand selected and of the highest quality. When you
are pau you will take home an instrument of both visual beauty and clarity of sound.
We should have time to also learn the two natural sounds that an Ipu creates and review a few
rhythms ("pa'i").
For those students of hula (haumana hula) interested in songs and chant (mele/oli) you WILL
need an ipu. Traditional schools demand that their haumana make their own implements and
costumes as this reflects the sum total of one's experiences that make the person. This is a
great opportunity to make you own Ipu Heke Ole.
Interested? Send an email to: [email protected] before June 3rd. Class size
will be limited. Mahalo.
Aia ka 'ike 'ou, wehe 'oe i kou na'au, ala nō ka 'ike. Literal translation: There is knowledge presenting
(protruding), open you your "na'au", (this is the) best path to learn. General Translation: Knowledge is
before you and if open your focus there you will see the knowledge.