Asmat Wood Ceremonial Drum

Two long panels of nested ovals run down the drum like rings in a cut tree.

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, in wood and pigment. Smaller Asmat drums share the hourglass form of the tall ones, held by the handle and struck with the free hand. Here the pale, weathered body carries two carved panels of concentric ovals and diamonds, finished in red-brown pigment. A small curved handle runs down one side. The skin head is still in place under a frayed binding. It is 21 inches high and 5.25 in diameter.

Compact, portable and not remotely shy.