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
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#154511
Condition
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.