Papua New Guinea, Papuan Gulf, Gama River Region
Possibly Foi people

Wood, reptile skin, pigments, fiber
Collected in mid 1900s
Length: 28.875 in; Diameter: 5.75 in
Membranophones – Directly Struck

A Papua New Guinea wood and reptile skin kundu drum called “sapo-kesa” or a ‘fish-mouth’ drum with the open mouth representing the concept of an instrument “speaking.” It is possibly used as part of the Usane cult which deals with curing sickness. This drum was found in the Papuan Gulf, Gama River Kikori area.

It is a hand drum made from a hollowed-out hardwood log that tapers slightly at the middle and flares out with two carved points at the end. The pointed end is decorated with ancestor faces and curvilinear designs carved in relief and filled with white and reddish orange/redocher pigment. The drumhead is covered with reptile skin held on with a ring wrapped in tan cloth and fiber. Bendable wire wrapped in a red plastic coating is also braided and wrapped around the top and slightly below to create a handle.  Another section of tan cloth is tied near the bottom for a longer handle.  The wood is a dark brown with good patina.