Kala'au

Family: Percussion

Also Known as: Laau, Ka la'au, kāla'au 

Description: Concussion-sticks idiophone (tapping sticks) that are made out of hard wood. The two sticks are usually of identical length and diameter.

Origin: Hawaii or elsewhere in Polynesia

Evolution: Prior to the 1870s, the Kala'au consisted of an unmatched pair of sticks, one up to three feet and the other just under one foot, and involved a different playing technique.

Sound Production: The player holds one end of a stick in each hand and strikes the other end against another to produce a loud sound. 

Usage and History: The Kala'au is used to accompany dances, as it provides a regular rhythm to which the dancer's movements and singing can by coordinated.

Images: 

https://shop.r10s.jp/muumuumama/cabinet/product/hula/gakki/img59392156.jpg (Rakuten, Kala'au)

https://i.etsystatic.com/6910704/r/il/901579/1677025234/il_794xN.1677025234_t65a.jpg (Etsy, painting depicting Hula dancers using Kala'au, by LindaOszajca)

Appearance: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyNrHWkr4-U (Kumu Rachel Iha demonstrating how to use the Kala'au)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgw0xe_Xjxk (Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - "ʻO Panaʻewa ʻŌhiʻa Loloa", young kamali'i dances use unmatched pairs of sticks)

Sources:

https://omeka1.grinnell.edu/MusicalInstruments/items/show/381 (Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection)