Slit drum

A wooden ceremonial slit gong drum on a stand with an orange shell necklace and two carved wooden drum sticks of round cross-section tapering to a point. The drum intricately carved with repeated lozenge shapes and with large slit at the top. At either end are 16 protruding triangular carvings in circular relief. The base has a presentation plaque and 15 ball bearings glued to the stand. Slit gongs are among the most popular instruments in the Pacific. They are formed from hollowed out logs struck with wooden beaters to provide percussive accompaniment to religious ceremonies and public rituals. In some parts of Oceania they have been used to communicate messages over long distances.