Interesting item, Papua New Guinea?
 

I recently picked up an interesting lot of mainly Papua New Guinea items and this was included and so I think that it could also be from that area, even though to me it has a somewhat Polynesian or even Northwest American Indian Flavor.
I also thought that it could be a type of percussion instrument, but it has the remnants of some type of powder or dye, so I wonder if it might be a container of some sort.
It measures 19" long.

Great catch! :) It's a slit drum from New Guinea, would need to do some research to tell you from which ethnic but could be from the Abelam people. When I remember correctley these drums are called garamut.
Attached are two examples found on the net.

Regards,
Detlef

You are correct! See/hear also here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Q1...QZqUF1T0k15CO4

Thanks so much Sajen;once again you came up with the answer! This was kind of a bonus as it came with two crocodile prow pieces.

It certainly is a slit drum of some type. Most of the garamut that i have seen tend to be a bit larger than this one though, so this might be intended as a nicely carved trade version.
Wooden slit drums like this are common in cultures all around the world. They are especially prevalent throughout Austronesia, Africa and Meso America.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JASFJ6o2r6w

You're welcome David! :)

Hello David,

So far I know they can come in all sizes but I am far from being an expert! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Thanks again; every symphony needs a triangle player.

All the videos i can find of the garamut drums being used in indigenous ritual dance contexts involve the larger variety. I still suspect these smaller ones arfe made for tourists. Watch the other videos stacked along the right as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Q1...QZqUF1T0k15CO4

Hello David,

I've sent you a pm, a clearly old garamut of small size which is for sale. Here in this link: https://www.abell.com/auction-lot/pa...rum_03C460082D you can see another sold one.
Attached is an old picture.

Regards,
Detlef

Thanks Sajen for your extensive research!