Asmat Wood Ceremonial Drum

Chevrons stacked like hearts climb both ends, with a square handle at the waist.

This ceremonial drum is Asmat, from the central and coastal region of West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia, and dates to the early 20th century. It is wood with crocodile leather and pigment. Among the Asmat, drums like this are generally played at feasts and ceremonies. The body flares wide at both ends from a narrow middle, and a broad, squared handle stands out from one side. Rows of heart-shaped chevrons in red and white fill the upper and lower sections, with bands of triangles near the handle. It is 46 inches high and 7.5 in diameter.

A drum with a strong sense of rhythm, even when it is standing still.