NMM 1493. Drum (kundu) by brother of Philip Kondayagl Ongugo, Kogun Mambuno, Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea, mid-20th century. Wooden hourglass drum with original lizard-skin head (including claws) attached with rubber hoop. No handle or carvings. The process of creating drums, by hollowing a log through carving and burning, is fairly universal throughout New Guinea. Heads are attached with a sticky substance, often a mixture of tree sap and pig’s blood, and secured with a hoop. Tuning is accomplished by heating the head, placing lumps of beeswax or sap on the head, or tightening the hoop. Length: 53 cm (20.8"). Ex coll.: Fred Crane. Board of Trustees, 1976.

Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM

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