Schouten Island Drum with Recumbent Figures
The drum comes from the Schouten Islands that lie to the west of the mouth of the Sepik River along Papua New Guinea’s north coast. The drum has two fine seated figures with large heads and long noses on each side of the handle. The body of the drum is covered with classic Sepik curvilinear designs with traces of red and black pigments. The figures and handle show a beautiful aged and glossy patina. The drum comes from the estate of the late Peter Keller, longtime director of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. It dates to the early 20th century or before, is 23 ½”(59.6 cm) in length and sells for $2800.