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Slit gong

A carved oblong wooden slit gong, the rectangular body carved in relief on one side with a crocodile with a quadruped in its mouth, a dolphin and the head of a man with elongated; the other side carved with two dolphins, one with a fish in its mouth. All decorated with inlaid mother of pearl. Slit gongs are among the most popular instruments in the Pacific. They are formed from hollowed out logs and struck with wooden beaters to provide percussive accompaniment to religious ceremonies and public rituals, and in some instances to communicate messages over long distances.

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  • Materials:Wood, mother of pearl
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  • Repository:Royal Collection Trust