What kinds of percussion instruments accompanied Polynesian singing?

Polynesian singing is primarily vocal, with instrumental accompaniment serving to support the performance of chants and poetry. Percussion instruments used to accompany these songs include:12

• Membranophones: The most prominent is the pahu, a conical, footed drum carved from tree trunks (such as breadfruit or coconut palm) and topped with a single sharkskin head. These drums are played with the bare hands.34
• Idiophones:
  • Slit Gongs: Often used in traditional dances, such as the Tongan me‘etu‘upaki paddle dance.1
  • Stamping Tubes: Long bamboo tubes used to provide rhythmic accompaniment.1
  • Percussion Sticks: Used alongside other instruments in group dances.1
  • Percussion Boards: The o-le-polotu is a specific board used by Samoan and Tongan chiefs to accompany solo songs.5
  • Concussion Stones: In Hawaii, these were held in pairs and clicked together, similar to castanets.5
• Body Percussion: Performers also utilize slaps and claps to provide rhythmic emphasis during vocal performances.2

While these instruments accompany song, it is important to note that traditional instruments like the nose flute and musical bow are typically used independently of singing.2