Hand drum (kundu), 20th century
Iatmulexpand_more
Wood, rope, pigment aexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 98.37.3
On View in Gallery 256expand_more
Hand drums accompany clan songs performed at important community events. The drum sound represents spirit and ancestor voices. The Iatmul believe they are descended from a giant crocodile; this important animal appears many times on this instrument. The open-ended design carved around both halves of the drum represents the gaping jaws of two crocodiles, symbolic of sky and earth. These opposing realms are linked by the drum's handle, another crocodile.
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- Title
- Hand drum (kundu)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 98.37.3
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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