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Tamtam (slit drum)
by tepapa
Description	This type of wooden slit drum is found on the central and southern islands of Vanuatu, particularly on Malekula and Ambrym. This slit drum was probably made in the early twentieth century, when such drums were individually owned by men of high rank. Huge and finely carved, they are made from hollowed-out tree trunks, and range in height from three to six metres, this example is over three metres high. The drums were used for beating out dance rhythms and for signalling, the sound from the hardwood cavities could travel for several kilometres. Wood. Acquired by Reverend WV Milne and became part of the Dominion Museum's collection in 1914.
Created by	Tamtam (slit drum), c.1900, Te Papa
Region	Not Selected
Licensed for ?	Map, Wall,
Postcard	No
Tags	tamtam slit drum wood tall face figure Vanuatu Ambrym 1900s musical instrument carved tree trunk dance rhythm