Drum
early 20th century
Iatmul
Arts of the Pacific Islands
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.
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Iatmul
- Classification
- Musical Instrument
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, shell, pigment
- Locations
- Place made: East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
- Dimensions
- 26 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 9 in. (66.7 x 19.1 x 22.9 cm)
- Departments
- Arts of the Pacific Islands
- Accession Number
- 87.218.70a-b
- Credit Line
- Gift of Marcia and John Friede and Mrs. Melville W. Hall
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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