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Images from The Beede
Gallery
Drum, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea, Mid/Late 19th Century
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NMM 2331. Drum, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea, mid/late 19th century. Conical wooden hand drum with replacement head of snake skin, attached with braided rattan hoop. Lower half painted with symmetrical, red-and-white design. Open end tapers into two prongs, painted to resemble an animal face with open jaws. The open-mouth carving, also seen on the paired flutes (NMM 7436 and 7437), and a jew’s harp (NMM 1439), represents the concept of an instrument "speaking." In cultures throughout Oceania, the use of music as communication—often to the spirit world—is prevalent. Length: 93 cm (36.5"). Board of Trustees, 1977.
Details of Painting on Drum
Drum Head and Interior (View from Lower End)
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Most recent update:
October 9, 2010
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