Images from The Beede Gallery Bullroarer, Papua New Guinea, 20th Century NMM 2374. Bullroarer, Papua New Guinea, 20th century. Elongated wooden disk with red-and-white symmetrical painting. Long string tied to painted end through small hole at top. The player whirls the instrument in a circle around his head, like a lasso, creating a thunderous, roaring sound. The smaller the size and the faster the whirl, the higher the pitch. Bullroarers, found throughout New Guinea, are believed to re-create voices of the spirits. They are sacred instruments, traditionally played by men during initiation ceremonies. Length: 35.5 cm (ca. 14"). Board of Trustees, 1978. Painting on Bullroarer   Click arrow to continue Beede Gallery Tour Go to Beede Gallery Tour Index Go to Virtual Gallery Tour Index Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD   57069 ©National Music Museum, 2008 Most recent update:   August 29, 2008 You are the 334th visitor to this page since August 29, 2008. The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page