Abelam Drum (Abelam, New Guinea, Papua New Guinea)

Drums form an important part of traditional Abelam musical practice and are used in ceremonial performances and other significant communal events. The present example is a single-headed drum of the type played while held in one hand, with the other hand used to strike the membrane.

The drum is carved from wood and decorated with painted geometric designs characteristic of Abelam visual art. The central anthropomorphic motif is combined with concentric circles, diamond forms and other linear patterns. The decoration covers much of the lower body and is complemented by bands of geometric ornament around the central section.

The drumhead is made from lizard skin. Small pellets of beeswax can be applied to the membrane to modify its vibration and adjust the sound. The tension of the skin can also be altered by warming it over a fire. According to the available documentation, Abelam drums were hollowed by a slow burning process after being shaped with an adze, and the wood was allowed to dry gradually to reduce the risk of cracking.

The combination of musical function and elaborate surface decoration is characteristic of the importance given to drums within Abelam material culture.

Bibliography:

Hauser-Schäublin, Brigitta (1989): Leben in Linie, Muster und Farbe: Einführung in die Betrachtung aussereuropäischer Kunst am Beispiel der Abelam, Papua-Neuguinea. Basel: Birkhäuser.
Kelm, Heinz (1966–1968): Kunst vom Sepik I–III. Berlin: Museum für Völkerkunde.
Koch, Gerd: Kultur der Abelam – Die Berliner Maprik-Sammlung.
Maaz, Klaus: Abelam: Die magische Welt der Abelam. Kunst und Kult in Papua-Neuguinea.
Hamson, Michael (ed.): Art of the Abelam. Contributions by Siobhan Campbell, Laurent Granier, Virginia-Lee Webb and Diane Sheehan.
Art of New Guinea: Sepik, Maprik, and Highlands. An exhibition arranged by the Museum and Laboratories of Ethnic Arts and Technology, UCLA, and the Ethnic Arts Council.