Drum

Chief Omas

mid-20th century · wood, lizard skin, beeswax, sago palm leaves, fiber, paint · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Drums hold a significant place in Asmat culture. According to their creation myth, the culture hero Fumeripits made the first carvings of men and women and placed them in the first men's ceremonial house. By beating on his drum, Fumeripits caused the figures to dance, bringing them to life. The only musical instruments used by the Asmat are drums, which are beaten in a regular rhythm to accompany songs that are part of all ceremonies and feasts. Lizard-skin tympanums (drum heads) are attached to the drums with an adhesive mixture of lime and human blood. Handles are elaborately carved, usually with images of relatives and the heads of parrots and cockatoos. The figure on this particular work probably represents the father of the owner. The designs on the base of the drum depict the shell-nose ornaments worn by Asmat warriors.

Artist

Chief Omas

Date

mid-20th century

Medium

wood, lizard skin, beeswax, sago palm leaves, fiber, paint

Culture

Asmat people

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection; Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller and Mrs. Mary C. Rockefeller, 1965