Hand Drum (kundu) 19th-20th century

This hand drum, or kundu, was made by the Asmat people and is now held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The drum's form is striking: its hourglass body crafted from dark wood, adorned with curvilinear carvings. These shapes invite a gaze that moves continually up and down the instrument. The drum features a handle with a sequence of stylized, repeating motifs, perhaps evoking ancestral figures or totemic animals. This repetition is a fundamental element of its design. We might consider how these patterns function as a kind of visual rhythm, echoing the auditory rhythms the drum produces. The formal structure embodies a synthesis of sound and sight. The drum is not merely an instrument but a sculptural object, imbued with cultural meaning. This integration challenges our common separation of art forms, suggesting a deeper, more holistic approach to aesthetic and functional design. The drum invites us to consider the relationship between visual form, sound, and cultural expression.