Interesting item, Papua New Guinea?

[drac2k]

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]

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]

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]

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.