Slit Gong

Ramu River Slit Gong "Garamut"

Lower Sepik Region
Melanesia - Papua New Guinea

Wood
Early 20th Century

Height: 20 inches; Length: 88 inches

An Ethnographic Ramu Drum (slit gong) of the lower Sepik River called a “Garamut.” It is of a very early style, made of wood with deeply carved geometric motifs on the outer panel sides, a rectangular central cavity, and two projecting openwork ancestor motifs at each terminal. This clan drum, commonly used for communication and in ceremonies to commemorate yearly events, or the death of a kinsman or kinswoman, has a weathered patina and old encrustations. Origin: Angoram village, Lower Sepik region, New Guinea.

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC

© Hartenberger World Music Collection