Time Marker

Unknown

late 19th century · Wood · Musical Instruments

Many Oceanic cultures use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with slaked lime as a mild stimulant. The Massim people of Papua New Guinea use spatulas such as this one to apply the lime to the betel nut. The handle also serves as a musical instrument. Cut vertically, when hit against the hand or body it creates a loud clapping sound. Single-headed, hourglass-shaped drums often with a central handle, distinct from the cylindrical, freestanding drums of Polynesia, are found only in Melanesia. In Papua New Guinea and surrounding islands, they are called by various names, including apa and kundu, a pidgin dialect term. The examples shown here represent regional decorative styles. The drumheads are made of reptile skin in the lowlands and opossum hide in the highlands. These drums are played almost exclusively by men to accompany songs and dance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Papua New Guinean

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889