Interesting item, Papua New Guinea?

drac2k · 18th November 2024, 07:55 PM

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.

Sajen · 18th November 2024, 08:58 PM

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

Sajen · 18th November 2024, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

I also thought that it could be a type of percussion instrument...
It measures 19" long.

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

drac2k · 18th November 2024, 09:41 PM

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.

David · Yesterday, 08:13 PM

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

Sajen · Yesterday, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks so much Sajen;once again you came up with the answer!

You're welcome David!

Sajen · Yesterday, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

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

Hello David,

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

Regards,
Detlef

18th November 2024, 07:55 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,234	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. Attached Images

18th November 2024, 08:58 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,797	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 Attached Images

18th November 2024, 09:41 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,234	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.

Yesterday, 08:13 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,130	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