GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In many areas of the Sepik River region, pairs of flutes are considered sacred, for their sounds represent the voices of supernatural beings. Made of bamboo, these ceremonial musical instruments often exceed six feet in length. The upper end of each flute is closed by a carved wood stopper that usually depicts a human figure, animal, or bird. This female figure probably represents an ancestor, and the birds atop her head a totem of the clan that owned this and the flute.
Adapted from
DMA Label text.
NOTES
Catalogue essays
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RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
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WEB RESOURCES
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Met~Read an essay about musical instruments in Oceania.
- Encyclopedia Britannica~Read about the climate, people, culture, and history of Papua New Guinea.
- Encyclopedia Britannica~Learn more about the region of Oceania.
- National Museums Scotland~Explore resources about arts of the Oceania region of the Pacific.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
Apply to objects where number equals 1971.64.2
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General Description
In many areas of the Sepik River region, pairs of flutes are considered sacred, for their sounds represent the voices of supernatural beings. Made of bamboo, these ceremonial musical instruments often exceed six feet in length. The upper end of each flute is closed by a carved wood stopper that usually depicts a human figure, animal, or bird. This female figure probably represents an ancestor, and the birds atop her head a totem of the clan that owned this and the flute.
Adapted from
DMA Label text.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Met~Read an essay about musical instruments in Oceania.
- Encyclopedia Britannica~Read about the climate, people, culture, and history of Papua New Guinea.
- Encyclopedia Britannica~Learn more about the region of Oceania.
- National Museums Scotland~Explore resources about arts of the Oceania region of the Pacific.
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1971.64.2
source file
object_notes_2_d-0467.xml.nores