Māori, Oceanic and African art Tuesday, 4 April 2023 - 3:00 PM start
A Good Papua New Guinea Ramu River Garamut Slit Drum
Lot Details
A Good Papua New Guinea Ramu River Garamut Slit Drum Rectangular form with projecting figures to each end with long hooked noses and tiered headdresses. The body of the drum with fine intricate curvilinear designs. Complete with drumstick. Carved from a felled tree the slit drum, or garamut, is one of the most important instruments in the Sepik River region. These drums are typically kept in the men's ritual house for ceremonies such as male initiations. The finials of the garamut are ornamented with figures characteristic of the Sepik region with their long, hooked noses and tiered headdresses. 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 in the Ramu river region.
