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Musical Instrument
Slit Gong
Kayan-Borbor artist, (active )
Kayan-Borbor artist
Papua New Guinea
16 x 81 1/2 x 14 in. (40.6 x 207 x 35.6 cm)
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Wood
Wood
Kayan-Borbor; made in Ramu River Region, Papua New Guinea
ca. 1940
1935
1945
1900-2000, musical instruments, Oceanic, Oceanic art (Pacific Islands)
Musical Instrument
The spiritual lives of Melanesian communities are dominated by Men’s Societies. The ceremonial Men’s House is the sacred dwelling place of the clan spirits, treasures, and of initiated men. Traditionally, slit-gong drums were located at the center of the Men’s House and functioned as musical instruments as well as a means of long-distance communication. A range of tones and sounds could be produced depending on the style of the beating stick and the varying thickness of the sides of the drum. In parts of New Guinea, the sounds produced by slit-gong drums were believed to be the voices of supernatural beings. Hollowed from a massive single tree, the sides of this drum are carved with a mix of butterfly, frog and fish motifs that are so stylized they can be difficult to discern.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1979.19
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/20/2001
negative
4x5
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negative
1x1.5
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glossy
8 x 10
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79.19DI1
digital image
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79.19SL1
slide
full
2 x 2
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79.19DI#3
digital image
front
6/18/2008
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79.19DI#2
digital image
Three-quarter
6/18/2008
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