Drum (Kundu)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-musical instruments-drums

Date20th Century

Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood, reptile skin, fiber and pigments

Dimensions20 1/2 × 6 × 5 in. (52.1 × 15.2 × 12.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2020.14.105

DescriptionThis carved wooden drum was collected from the Schouten Islands of Papua New Guinea and dates back to the 20th century. 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. A zoomorphic shaped wooden handle is attached to the center. It also has carved designs throughout the object. The design is constantly interlocking throughout the object. Drums also served as a store of wealth and a limited form of money.

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