**Originally Listed At $1800**

Oceania, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful percussion instrument that is hand-carved from hardwood known as a Lali Ni Meke (Lali Drum). The open drum features a canoe-shaped body with a large central cavity flanked by a pair of smaller, open-ended cavities, all atop a rectangular base with a crested top. Lali drums like this example are played by hitting a pair of wooden beaters against areas of the drum body to produce different acoustic tones and rhythms. Dancers and performers would carry these drums around celebratory and ceremonial events. Enveloping the drum are layers of lustrous brown and red-orange patina that imbue the instrument with an attractive presentation. Size: 12.3" L x 3.25" W x 4.625" H (31.2 cm x 8.3 cm x 11.7 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-John Perry collection, New Zealand, acquired in 2009

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#154511

Minor nicks and abrasions to body, foot, and peripheries, with light encrustations, and inactive insect damage, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.