Artifact Number:
2007.022.042
Object:
DRUM
Material:
rosewood, lizard skin, cane, cloth, fibre
Dimensions:
89 x 14.5 x 14
Origin:
Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Comments:
Long slender, plain-sided drum, carved of hallowed, round rosewood log. Top end cut flat to accept tympanum, drum narrows to slender waist near bottom; flares to two pointed ends defined by high (12.5 cm) graceful arches. Waist encircled by 19.0 cm high band of finely carved and incised designs showing traditional concentric curvelinear motifs; small spirit-face incised at each pointed end. Tympanum is of lizard skin, secured around rim with black gum and narrow tightening ring. Ring is formed of plaited cane stripping, overwound with narrow bands of cloth. Six beads of beeswax grouped at center of skin (for fine tuning). Shoulder sling attached to drum is of soft rope, woven then plaited of extremely fine fibre. Two double loops hold drum, are connected by double strand for passage over shoulder. Rope is approximately 0.6 cm diameter, 250.0 cm long. Rope is strongly knotted, and would not be easily removed. Surface of drum shows natural wood, fine patination. Carved band and two pointed ends painted black; incised areas show red ochre pigment and lime. Interior of drum, at base, painted black. Caution: Tightening ring at top of drum will come loose easily. Contition is excellent and stable. Wood shows no cracking. Side surfaces of drum are worn from use, show fine patina. Much black gum residue encircles at top rim, suggests several replacements of tympanum. Lizard skin is intact but worn, thinned from much use, especially along one side. Tightening ring is sound; cloth windings show fray and staining from body pigmentation and oils. Wood surface of drum shows many, very fine surface-scratchings near top on one side. Carved band and pointed ends show surface dirt. Black and red pigments on band show very well; much liming intact. Paint on both points is worn, liming shows traces only. Edges along arches at bottom show wear, some bruising; small is stable; shows much discoloration/staining from body pigments and oils. Two strands frayed, separating at lower knots.
Collection Name: Hintz Collection
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