A Fine Kerewa Drum; Kerewa people, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.Of classical form, the long drum of narrow tapering form, the lower third of the body deeply incised with curvilinear designs and pigmented, the terminus in the form of a stylized crocodile’s head with similar pigmentation. Lovely and rich patina, fine signs of age and use.The drums of the Kerewa area, like those from even further West in the Gulf, are quite elongated and probably share a prototype that influenced the drums of the Strickland-Bosavi area, likely through the Upper Kikori. Though somewhat different than the carving of their sacred bards, the style is well-established in the region.Acquired by Marc Seidler from George Craig, c. 1981, field collected by Craig prior to 1965. The Drum Measures 37.75 inches tall x 4.75 inches. Drum head is intact.

Good, well handled and worn