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Drum

mid-20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 350
Drums hold a significant place in Asmat culture. According to their creation myth, the culture hero Fumeripits made the first carvings of men and women and placed them in the first men's ceremonial house. By beating on his drum, Fumeripits caused the figures to dance, bringing them to life.

The only musical instruments used by the Asmat are drums, which are beaten in a regular rhythm to accompany songs that are part of all ceremonies and feasts. Lizard-skin tympanums (drum heads) are attached to the drums with an adhesive mixture of lime and human blood. Handles are elaborately carved, usually with images of relatives and the heads of parrots and cockatoos. The figure on this particular work probably represents the father of the owner. The designs on the base of the drum depict the shell-nose ornaments worn by Asmat warriors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Drum
  • Artist: Chief Omas
  • Date: mid-20th century
  • Geography: Indonesia, Sauwa village, Pomatsj River region
  • Culture: Asmat people
  • Medium: wood, lizard skin, beeswax, sago palm leaves, fiber, paint
  • Dimensions: H. 22 3/4 × W. 12 1/2 × D. 9 1/2 in. (57.8 × 31.8 × 24.1 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Musical Instruments
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection; Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller and Mrs. Mary C. Rockefeller, 1965
  • Object Number: 1978.412.962
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

Audio

Cover Image for 1768. Drum

1768. Drum

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Korwar (ancestor figure)
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