A antique Telefolmin drum, Star mountains, Sandaun province, Papua New Guinea.

Of classical form, the elongated and narrow hour-glass shaped drum with well-patinated surface and no handle, the top with tympanum that has holes. The bottom with meandering design in red and white. Dark patina of extensive age and use.

Drums of this type are found throughout the region and are usually ascribed to the Telefomin people.

Schuurkampf (Schuurkampf, 1995) asserts that these drums were primarily made in the village of Siktamin and traded throughout the area.

The drum measures 35 x 5 inches. Provenance: A Private New York collection since 1980.