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A Middle Sepik River figurative slit drum (garamut) browse these categories for related items... Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Oceanic: Sculpture: Pre 1940: item # 949965 Please refer to our stock # NG9932a when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $3,500.00 |
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| The various peoples of the Sepik River Basin in Papua New Guinea use drums to accompany their ritual events. Large slit gongs, or slit drums, like this example made by the Iatmul peoples, were usually kept from public view. Their use was mainly for long-distance communication, like a telegraph, among people speaking the same language. These drums are among the most prized possessions of a village. Villagers believe masks and other wooden carvings can be replaced, but a good 'garamut' only improves with age. This is because wooden musical instruments get richer in tone as the material dries-out and loses its moisture. This fine, stone-carved example shows nice wear on one side where the drum was repeatedly struck with a wooden beater. Beautiful curvilinear designs in low-relief decorate the sides. A human head representing an ancestor appears on one end and the opposite side shows a crocodile head with anthropomorphic eyes and nose. Both heads have eye cavities which are inset with cowrie shells. The interior of this heavy log section has been made hollow by heat. Charred cavity walls are evidence of this technique. Organic red, white and black pigments overall. Early mid-20th century. 52"L x 12"H. Provenance: Ex-Smith College, MA de-accession. Gifted to the College art Museum in the 1950's. | ||||||||||||
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