Large vertical slotted drum called "atingting", Vanuatu. Mon - Lot 270

Large vertical slotted drum called "atingting", Vanuatu. Monoxyl drum with cylindrical cross-section cylindrical in cross-section, a narrower-diameter base is used to bury the drum in the ground. The central part, split along almost its entire length, is hollowed out to make a resonance chamber. resonance box. The top is sculpted into an exaggerated head, with a prominent nose and two dilated eyes with each pupil is lightly colored, and the sculpture is completed by a three-pronged, serrated headdress. This sculpted head represents an ancestor whose voice is the drum. Providing the transition between the drum and the ornate head, two circular wild pig teeth are visible. All these elements characterize the classical style of these drums. They set the rhythm for the various ceremonies that organized (and still organize, despite the religious life of the islanders of Vanuatu. A more secular use as a means of communication communication from island to island. This example, both visually powerful and finely sculpted, is a magnificent example of these emblematic drums. a magnificent example of these emblematic Vanuatu drums. It is in very good condition, nicely patina (there are minor cracks and alterations, and the base is buried). Vanuatu Melanesian population (Big Nambas?), Ambrym(?) Island, Vanuatu. Unstaked. Dimension: approx. 2.60 m Estimated dating: 20th century Provenance: former French private collection Selective bibliography: Douglas NEWTON (ed.), Arts des mers du Sud, Adam Biro Edts; p. 288 Corpus for comparison : Musée Barbier Mueller (Geneva), 4622 A Expert: Nicolas Corigliano Cabinet Corail & Mana