Artifact Number:
2007.022.043
Object:
DRUM
Single-Ended Drum
Material:
sft. Wood, pgmnt, nyln ln, stain, blk. Gum, bwax
Dimensions:
89.2 cm x 14.2 cm x 13.5 cm
Origin:
Gulf of Papua, Wai'I River, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Comments:
Long, slender, plain-sided frum, carved of hollowed, round softwood log. Top end cut flat to accept tympanum, drum narrows to slender waist near bottom; flares to two pointed ends defined by high (13.5 cm) arches. Waist encircled by 24.0 cm. high band of carved and incised designs showing traditional concentric, curvelinear motifs; small spirit-face incised at each pointed end. Name of owner is carved into one side of drum, at center: KAMA TIADO (approx. 1.5 cm H x 14.0 cm L) Tympanum not present. Shoulder sling attached to drum is of previously wound nylon line; two loops hold drum, are connected by single strand for passage over shoulder. Surface of drum stained and painted black. Carved band and both pointed ends also black; incised areas show red and white pigmentation. Interioir surface of pointed ends painted black. ********* Condition: Fair / stable Thin, verticle surface cracking at center of drum below carved name; also in decorated band on same side. Split (4.0 cm long) extends upward from center of arch, same side- has been mended with nulon line stiched through four holes drilled both sides of split. Top of drum encircled with black gum residue from absent tympanum. Interior at top rim shows large conservation of previously used wax beads. Surface of drum, top of bottom, shows much wear from use and abuse. Bruising, water stains, areas of reddish stain, charred areas and large areas of oil staining are all evident- one side more than other. Pigments in carved areas show well but are severely discolored. Bottom shows some bruising at edges of arch and at tips; carving is worn. Nylon line is stable but brittle.
Collection Name: Hintz Collection
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