Drum (Kundu)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments-drums

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood and cloth

Dimensions25 3/4 × 6 1/2 × 6 1/4 in. (65.4 × 16.5 × 15.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2018.13.20

DescriptionThis wooden drum most likely hails from Papua New Guinea’s coastal islands just north of the Sepik River’s delta. Drums were traditionally used during dances for religious and ceremonial purposes. They were made by fire-hollowing and scraping out the burnt centers of whole logs. Once hollow, decorations were added to the exterior and a lizard or snake skin was attached to one end to form the head of the drum. Unfortunately, this drum’s head is missing. Drums also served as a store of wealth and a limited form of money.

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