Bullroarer

Asmat Bull Roarer

Asmat People
Melanesia - Papua New Guinea

Wood / twine
Mid 20th Century

Length: 27cm (11 inches)

The Bull Roarer is an ancient instrument found in many parts of the world, especially in the Oceania Region. This Bull Roarer consists of an oblong slat of flat wood with sloping, sharp-edged sides and a hole bored in one end, through which a cord is tied. To play, the slat is swung rapidly in a circular motion through the air, which creates a whirling sound. The sound can be modified by the speed of the whirling and by changing the direction of the spin from vertical to horizontal. The low-frequency can be heard over many miles on a quiet night. It functions as a musical instrument, ritualistic object, or a long-range communication device. This bull roarer comes from the Asmat People, Region of Irian Jaya -Papua Province, Indonesia

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC

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