Em
Single-headed, hourglass-shaped drums often with a central handle, distinct from the cylindrical, freestanding drums of Polynesia, are found only in Melanesia. In Papua New Guinea and surrounding islands, they are called by various names, including apa and kundu, a pidgin dialect term. The examples shown here represent regional decorative styles. The drummheads are made of reptile skin in the lowlands and opossum hide in the highlands. These drums are played almost exclusively by men to accompany songs and dance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Em
- Date: 20th century
- Geography: Omandesep Village?, West Papua Province (Irian Djaja), Indonesia
- Culture: Asmat
- Medium: Wood, lizard skin
- Dimensions: 9 1/4 × 37 × 7 1/2 in. (23.5 × 94 × 19.1 cm)
Diameter of Head: 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) - Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / waisted drum
- Credit Line: Gift of the Todes Family, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.470.2
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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