Culturally: Melanesia, Papua is also known as Western New Guinea and formerly Irian Jaya. It is the easternmost part of Indonesia. 
Asmat People 

Wood, hide, rattan
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 24 in
Membranophones – Directly Struck

This drum from the Asmat people of Irian Jaya, Indonesia (the western half of the island of New Guinea) is called a tifa. It is carved from a single block of wood and has a lizard skin drumhead (tympanum) that is attached to the drum with a mixture of lime and human blood and then secured with bands of rattan.  The handle, which is part of the single piece wooden drum, as well as the shell of the drum are elaborately carved rendering symbolic designs and figures. Many of the motifs found on these carved Asmat drums refer to their former practice of headhunting.

According to the Grinnell College website: “The performance of drums in Asmat communities is restricted to males, and when drums are not in use, they are stored in a village jeu (buildings in which community matters are discussed, ceremonies are planned, and woodcarving takes place).”

Culturally, the indigenous inhabitant of the island of New Guinea are thought of as Melanesians, while today they are considered citizens of the Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia.

Resource: tifa · Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection · Grinnell College Libraries