Pahu: Historical Collections, Artistic Continuance

Abstract

• This book results from an ongoing collaboration between the Benioff Oceania Programme at the British Museum and Dennis Kanaʻe Keawe, a Hawaiian artist and artisan specialised in pahu (drum) making and based in Hilo (Hawaiʻi). Shaped and nutured through the artist’s unique lens, this volume combines a renewed understanding of historical pahu collections at the British Museum with innovative research into pahu making as a living practice. Presenting new and rarely seen photography alongside deep cultural knowledge, and making space for users to become contributors, this book aims to redefine collections stewardship while becoming a resource for those who make, play and care for Hawaiian pahu.