This wooden slit drum from Vanuatu is a striking example of Oceanic tribal art. The object combines a functional musical instrument with a sculptural representation of an ancestral figure, which is characteristic of the region's cultural traditions.
The piece is hand-carved from solid wood and features a stylized face with prominent eyes, a sharp nose, and a detailed headdress or hairstyle. The central vertical slit in the cylindrical body originally served as a soundbox. The drum measures approximately 29 centimeters in height and is finished in a warm, dark brown wood tone.
The slit drum is in good condition commensurate with its age and material. The wood has developed a natural patina that accentuates the sculptural details.
This tribal object makes an intriguing addition to a collection of ethnographic art. It comes into its own in an eclectic or worldly interior, displayed on a sideboard or in a display cabinet.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1BrandArtisanHeight29 cmWidth6 cmDepth6 cmSigns of usageScratches