Jew's Harp
89-17-101
From: Papua New Guinea | Western Province, Papua New Guinea
Curatorial Section: Oceanian
| Object Number | 89-17-101 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Yonggom/Muyu |
| Provenience | Papua New Guinea | Western Province, Papua New Guinea |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Bamboo | Beeswax | Plant Fiber |
| Description | Bamboo jew's harp (benggom). Preference in Papua New Guinea is to call this a "jaw harp". One piece of bamboo, split, reed cut free in center. Half circle of sweatbee wax (im) on outside of reed. Binding at head and just below end of reed. Concave side is held in the playing hand, which pulls the frame back, bending it somewhat and setting the reeds vibrating (indirectly, not directly by striking the reed). This instrument played only by men. See Kirsch field notes for more data. made by Kobarara Yangkap, Namat clan, Kombut village, Irian Jaya, living in Dome refugee camp. Purchased from maker 5/3/88. Made for purchase. |
| Credit Line | Purchased from Stuart A. Kirsch, 1989 |
| Other Number | 22A - Other Number |
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