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The Drums
The drums are the most enduring Asmat artifacts, made with a very resistant wood, tempered by fire. Ironwood is often used, though its weight retricts the use to small carvings and the working process is extremely long and difficult. The decorations engraved on the hourglass-shaped drums recall the symbolism of the ritual ceremonies. These single-membrane (usually lizard skin) drums, are tuned with small globs of beeswax.
In the Asmat mithology, the drum has an indispensable function, since after carving the first human beings in the wood the creator Fumeripits gave them life through the sound of the drum. Ceremonies and rituals are accompanied by its music.
The drums of the coastal and central part of the region (area A) are taller than those of the northwest (area B), while the Citak and Brazza shields are rarely decorated.
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