**Originally Listed At $7500** Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik region, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A large hand-carved wooden section from a garamut drum with intricate patterns on the exterior face. This section is formed from a singular piece of wood and is roughly rectangular with a slightly curved profile. When complete, the drum would have a slit down one side and a hollowed-out interior to form the resonance chamber. The center is extensively embellished with relief carvings shaped by incised curvilinear and geometric motifs. Some of the imagery is hard to discern, but these shapes may be abstract faces that represent ancestor spirits. This slit drum or garamut, is the most important instrument in the Sepik River area. Such drums are used in ceremonies, to issue warnings, and to call people to meetings. Traces of blue paint, which might be a natural blue ochre pigment, remain along one side, indicating this may have once been brightly painted to highlight the motifs Size: 34" L x 4" W x 14" H (86.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 35.6 cm) See a garumut drum at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (object number 93.12). The curatorial description includes this wonderful contextual passage about the ancestral figures depicted on the drum as well as the sound made by the drum capturing its voice: "These figures represent important ancestors and demonstrate clan affiliation. The people of the Sepik area understand the drum s sound as its voice. This voice can carry long distances to announce meetings, call individuals, issue warnings, and even contact neighboring villages. Communication occurs through a complex series of rhythms and tones beat out with a wooden stick by an initiated man. More than just an instrument, this drum is central to the lives the entire community." This piece has been tested using radiocarbon dating (C-14) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gallagher collection, Sydney, Australia 1960 to 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #161522品相报告: Fragment of a larger piece. Pressure fissures and cracks as shown. Losses and chips as shown. Surface abrasions interfere with parts of the decorative program. Traces of blue pigments! Modern wire on verso for mounting.