Ambrym Drum, Vanuatu Slit Drum, Totem, Tribal Art, Oceanic Art, Oceania, H 380 Cm

Impressive Vanuatu slit drum made of breadfruit. Very decorative totem sculpture for indoor or outdoor display. Circa mid-20th century, beautiful patina of use. Dimensions: H 380 x W 47 x D 54 cm. No base. In Vanuatu, a slit drum is a percussion musical instrument that is traditionally used during ceremonies, dances and to convey messages. There are large slit drums, which can be several meters high and are used during the most important ceremonies, and small slit drums whose use is more widespread. Almost all cultures in Vanuatu have (or have had) their own orchestras of large slit drums, which can be horizontal or vertical. The drums of the islands of Ambrym and Malekula[1], vertical and surmounted by one or more carved heads, are iconic objects of Vanuatu