Antique Abelam Tumbuna Drum, Papua New Guinea

An old and well used Abelam Tumbuna Ceremonial drum, North Eastern Papua New Guinea. Of classic form where the base seems a bit larger than the top and with a well handled and weathered surface patina, painted with mineral pigments and a black like tar to adhere the drum head and likely seal fractures, the entire drum was carved from a single hollowed out log.

This is a rare old example with considerable age and use. The drum measures 33 inches tall x 7 inches wide.

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