Massive April River, New Guinea Crocodile Drum
#160041

Sepik Drum, collected April River Region, Papua New Guinea by Dr. George C. Kennedy, noted scientist, geophysicist and expert in the arts of New Guinea in the 1960’s during a Sepik River collecting trip. Much of Dr. Kennedy’s collection was dispersed after his death through Christie’s and other major auction houses. This particular slit drum or “gong” was acquired from Dr. Kennedy by Dr. Franklin Murphy, then Chancellor of UCLA and Chairman of the Board of Times Mirror. Carved from a single tree, the massive and heavy drum displays a crocodile head on either end, intricate and subtle totemistic carvings along both sides including human faces and scroll designs, with a hollowed out interior. Overall very good condition, with some minor abrasions and areas of loss at one terminal.

Length: 244 cm / 96 in
Height: 48 cm / 19 in
Width: 29 cm / 11.5 in

SOLD

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