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A fine Gogodala drum (waluwa) is waisted at mid-length with a handle and associated raised straps. The tympanum of monitor lizard skin is secured by udili resin and a plaited cane band. Four lumps of bees' wax are located at the centre of the skin to achieve the desired pitch. A diamond pattern is incised at the lower open end. The gawa toa of the Madulabali clan is painted on the upper surface of the drum. A dark patina, wear and overpainting of decoration indicates drum has some age and use. Material: wood, pigments, resin, skin; length: 1000mm; diameter: 200mm. Provenance: The drum was collected from the owner, Someke, by a reputable dealer on a visit to Konodubu, Western Province in November. Acquired from a Melbourne gallery in 1990. The last owner of the drum, Someke, had inherited the nstrument on the death of his father. He then named the drum 'Madulobali'. Discussion: See 'Crawford, A.L. 1975' - (p.26) - illustration of diwaka with Madulabali clan pattern. Comparison: See 'Crawford, A.L. 1981' - (p.350). Artefact Code: ML0056. |
