Drum

early 20th century

The lower portion of this drum is decorated with relief carvings of spirals and concentric arcs that were originally painted white and red. The large face, with its projecting tongue, is meant to be threatening, indicating the power of the clan that owned it. Above and below the face are two cassowary birds.

This drum is closely related to three other published examples, which all may be by the same artist. All were collected at the beginning of the twentieth century. The design is reportedly that of a Chambri drum captured by the Iatmul people and then used to celebrate their victory. This type of drum, which originally had a membrane covering the top, provides accompaniment for clan songs on ceremonial occasions such as funerals, the launching of new canoes, or the completion of a clan house.