Miniature Drum Item Number: 3557/8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Hand drum sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Drum is hour-glass shaped; bottom is open and top is covered with lizard skin, secured with plant fibre tie and resin(?). Rectangular handle protrudes from centre of drum; wide arch extends from other side, for resting drum against leg. Drum is undecorated. Light blue card inserted into bag, behind drum, with image of person playing drum and one of the drum itself; paragraph of text describes maker, materials, and construction techniques.
Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?