Vanuatu & New Caledonia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet

Tamtam

Vanuatu’s unique musical device is the huge tamtam, or slit-gong, from Malekula and Ambrym. It is a carved log with a hollowed-out slit that enables it to be used as a drum. Originally used to send coded messages as well as form drum orchestras for festivities and celebrations, it is traditionally made from the breadfruit tree, which gives the best sound.

The typical tamtam has a representation of a human face carved above the drum part; some in north Ambrym have rooster faces. Faces on Malekulan drums are generally very simple, but those from Ambrym can be ornate and elaborately carved, and often valued by collectors worldwide. It takes about 160 hours to produce a 2.5m tamtam with a single face.

On Ambrym designs belong to particular families and can only be used if a fee is paid. Some carvers have produced copies in Vila. Ambrym chiefs look out for such transgressors – they are no longer executed, but they are fined.

Santo supports local music through jamming sessions, workshops and the local version of Efate’s Fest’ Napuan, held at Unity Park in November. See more about Lukaotem Gud Santo festival at www.festnapuan.org.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.