Artifact Number:
2007.022.054
Object:
DRUM
Material:
rosewood, lizard skin, black gum, cane, pigment
Dimensions:
59.0 x 12.3 x 11.8
Origin:
Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Comments:
Single-Ended Drum Long slender, plain-sided drum carved of hollowed round, rosewood log. Top end out flat to accept tympanum, drum narrows to slender waist near bottom; flares to two pointed ends defined by high (10.5 cm) graceful arches. Waist encircled by 14.5 cm high band of finely carved and incised designs showing traditional concentric curvelinear motifs; anthropomorphic crocodile heads at each point. Tympanum is of lizard skin, secured around rim with black gum. Two thin rings of plaited cane encircle drum, near top and at center - show early repairs to large cracks. Owner's name - Aiko - carved at center, one side. Drum painted black inside and out, carvings show traces of lime. Condition: fair-poor and stable. Long (34.0 cm) crack extends downward from top of drum; second similar crack (18.0 cm) is alongside, 6.5 cm apart; third small crack (3.5 cm long). Two plaited cane rings (0.7 cm wide) infused with black gum encircle cracks - are positioned to prevent worsening. Black gum residue remains along sides of open cracks. Opposite side near top shows thin vertical surface crack, 14.0 cm long. Base shows 2.5 cm crack opening from top of arch one side, with large chip (1.5 cm) at top of same arch, crack (4.0 cm) extending. Edges badly bruised, points worn. Arch on opposite side with similar chip and crack, both at top; edges badly bruised, points worn. Drum shows much surface wear, dirt, dried mud. Fine random scratchings below name, and scattered. Much lime is lost from incised areas, shows traces only. Much black gum residue encircles at tympanum. Skin in poor condition, dry, unstable, worn very thin, many insect holes, vertical tear above crack, 10.0 cm separation along rim.
Collection Name: Hintz Collection
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