Drum. Abelam, Papua New Guinea, 19th century.

Drum. Abelam, Papua New Guinea, 19th century.
Wood, reptile skin, traces of pigment.
Measurements: 82 cm (height).

Ceremonial drum in the form of hourglass. The composition is divided into two parts by a decorative series of three horizontal lines in relief. In the upper and lower parts there are carved two lateral handles of brilliant patina. The surface is finely engraved with beautiful shades of brown, ochre and white. Reptilian skin, an element rarely preserved on drums, is present on its upper part.

The Abelam are a people living in the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea. They are an agricultural society in which giant yams play an important role.