Flute Item Number: Ie370 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Flute consisting of hollowed bamboo held together by crisscrossed fibre. Three rings of cassowary feathers, one at the bottom, middle and top. Just below the top ring is a small hole carved out of the bamboo. The top feather ring is woven on tightly with fibre which covers this area. The stopper of the flute, above the top feather ring, is a human male figure standing full front with arms down to the side. His head is disproportionately large to the rest of his body. Standing behind him is small bird which is resting its hands on the shoulders of the human figure. Its long beak extends over the head of the human figure. The creature has ridges along its back. Tassels come out of these ridges. The bamboo and the fibre ties are covered in a black stain.
History Of Use
Used to summon the appropriate spirits in preparation for harvests, etc. Also used as music makers for pig feasts and other ceremonial rites. Flutes are owned and played in pairs, said to be male and female.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in Papua New Guinea ?
- Owned by Alan F. Pierce before March 21, 1980
- Received from Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 21, 1980
What
- Name
- Flute
- Identification Number
- Ie370
- Type of Item
- flute
- Material
- human hair, cowrie shell, cassowary feather, sennit fibre, wood, bamboo grass, pigment and fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, bound, incised, inlaid, glued and knotted
- Overall
- height 208.2 cm, diameter 25.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- Alan F. Pierce
- Received from
- Alan F. Pierce (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Papua New Guinea ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 67
- Accession Number
- 0619/0015