Nest Egg Auctions
Live Auction

Tribal, Jewelry, Art, Coins, and Asian

Sat, Sep 16, 2023 01:00PM EDT
Lot 216

Three Sepik River Tribal Drums

Estimate: $100 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
Three wood carved and pigmented drums with tympanums constructed of some kind of reptilian skin (crocodile?). All the pieces exhibit wear consistent with age in the form of scuffs, dings and scratches. The largest of the drums unfortunately has had its carved crocodile handle broken off. This piece is included for potential future repair but a section of tail is still missing. A second drum also featuring crocodilian imagery on its handle is intact but unfortunately there is a spatter of white paint at the very bottom of the drum. The third drum, featuring simpler, more utilitarian handles, exhibits a crack in the base of the drum, some white and blue paint spatter (not as noticeable as on the former piece) and a small tear in its tympanum. Largest shipping item measures approximately 25" tall with a base diameter of 6 1/2"; smallest shipping item measures approximately 21" tall with a base diameter of 5". From the collection of a world traveler of 45+ years who has circumnavigated the globe via sailboat. Keywords: Papua New Guinea, percussion, musical, instrument