Papua New Guinea
Pair of Carved
Kundu Ceremonial Drums
Offered for sale is a uniquely beautiful carved pair of Kundu ceremonial drums from the Kambot Tribe of Papua New Guinea. The drums were acquired in trade in the early 1980s from native villagers. The Kundu drums are a tradition of the Kambot Tribe in the lower Sepik region.
Kundu is a pidgin name in Papua New Guinea for an hourglass shaped drum used to accompany formal occasions, religious ceremonies and for celebrations. This drum is emblematic of Papua New Guinea and it appears on the country's coat of arms.
Description of these drums. The sizes of a Kundu drum vary. These two drums measure 18 ½” and 17 ½” tall. A small finger-drum might measure 30 cm (11.81 in), while a large drum might be 200 cm (74.84 in) long.
The drum is made of carved wood with a possum or lizard-skin drumhead, and with a handle placed on the narrowest part of the drum. Traditionally, the lizard skin was held in place with a layer of human blood (as glue).
The bands holding the drumhead skin have loosened over the years. The drumheads (skins) are still firmly attached. The drumhead bands are made of woven grass or rope, and of leather. The leather band has fallen away, and can be re-attached. (see the photos).
Depending upon who made it and where it was made, a Kundu may be carved plainly, or decorated with "high-relief" carved handles, or relief carvings on the instruments' bodies with open mouthed crocodiles, human faces, dancers, and "spirit figures." Often, the Kundu is decorated with animal figures on its edges. On some instruments the handle may have intricate sculpture in openwork style.
For the Papuans, the sound of the Kundu represents the voice of "spirits". Examples of formal religious or civil occasions where one might hear the Kundu include burials, the opening of a new house or the launching of a new boat.
This drum is beautiful and the pictures do not do it justice.
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA), signed by the Owner, will accompany this item.
Free local pickup in Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada!
About the Owner: Dean Otteson. Mr. Otteson is an accomplished professional wood carver, carving instructor, and educator. In the 1980s he traveled to remote spots on the globe, in search of unique carvings for his thriving retail business. Offered for sale are items from his personal collection of unique tribal and primitive wood carvings. A photo of Mr. Otteson with indigenous villagers accompanies this listing.