Drum (Kundu)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments-drums

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Collection SiteMorobe Province, Papua New Guinea

Made AtMorobe Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood

Dimensions29 5/8 × 8 3/8 × 7 1/2 in. (75.2 × 21.3 × 19.1 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.23

DescriptionWooden hand drum possibly from Tami Island in Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea and dates from the early to mid 20th Century. This drum is narrow in the center and is gradually wider at either end. The center is carved into a rectangular shaped handle and a rectangular protrusion with two holes. The center is decorative with carved geometric designs of faces facing up and down. There are traces of white in the incisions. This pattern goes beyond asymmetrical handles. In the Huon Gulf region, the inhabitants of the Tami Islands are known for their distinctive style of wood carving, often referred to as the Tami style. This unique art style is distinguished by the use of a carving method known as high-relief carving—in which designs are carved into the wood and protrude from the background. This method of carving requires meticulous planning beforehand and great skill of tool manipulation to achieve desired effect. The Tami are brilliant seamen, which allows them to extensively trade their craft goods with the neighboring islands—such as New Guinea, Rook, and Siassi. Therefore, it is no surprise to find Tami style goods spread over large areas through trade. Due to social restrictions, the distinctive carving style of the Tami remains confined to their community of wood carvers. If any individuals outside the community used a style other than their own, the act would constitute as a severe offence.

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