Kundu (drum)

Kundu is a pidgin name in Papua New Guinea for an hourglass drum used to accompany formal occasions, religious ceremonies and for celebrations (such as the Sing-sing).

[3] Traditionally, the lizard skin was held in place with a layer of human blood (as glue).

[5][1] Examples of formal religious or civil occasions where one might hear the Kundu include burials, the opening of a new house or the launching of a new boat.

Other names include the apa (Elema People, Papua Gulf)[7] and the warup from the Torres Straits.

The Asmat people in the Papua province of Indonesia, make hourglass drums covered with decorative symbolic carvings, including the handle.

Kundu drum, from Papua-New Guinea, Iatmul people , 20th century. [ 1 ] The crocodile is symbolic to the Iatmul, who believe they are descended from a giant crocodile, and that the world is the back of that first crocodile. [ 1 ] There are three crocodiles on this instrument: the handle and each of the drum openings (seen in the engravings).