Melanesia, New Guinea
Asmat People

Wood, hide, fiber
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 15.75 in; Diameter: 13.5 in
Membranophones – Directly Struck

This ceremonial drum comes from the Asmat people, an ethnic group of New Guinea, who reside in the province of South Papua. It has a goblet shape with a wide drumhead and conical top section tapering to a short cylindrical base. (Most Asmat drums are carved in an hourglass shape with a figural handle and have a reptile skinhead.)  The drumhead is thin and made of a light brown leather attached along the top sides with handmade wooden pegs. The top section is carved in high relief with scenes of native dancers kneeling and standing with heavy traces of white paint/pigment in the recesses. The base section is similar, but instead carved in slightly lower relief with geometric designs and overall, less white paint/pigment. The drum has a thin well used cloth strap attached to the top and bottom on one side.  Age and usage can be seen in the photo.  The Asmat have one of the most well-known woodcarving traditions in the Pacific.