Drum (Kundu)

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Drum (Kundu)

Date: late- 19th-early- 20th century

Medium: Wood

Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.

Object number: 77.1024

Label Text

The open-ended decoration engraved on the two extremities of this "kundu" hand-drum represents the gaping jaws of two crocodiles. In New Guinea, these animals represent the two major components of the cosmos; the sky and the earth. Other representations of the earth and sky are the two sound chambers -- one sealed with lizard skin, the other open. The drum handle, carved in the form of a vine, establishes a link between the two worlds.

On view

In Collection(s)

Oceanic Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

Artwork

Drum (Kundu)

Drum (Kundu)