In many areas of the Sepik River region, pairs of flutes are considered sacred, for their sounds represent the voices of supernatural beings. Made of bamboo, these ceremonial musical instruments often exceed six feet in length. The upper end of each flute is closed by a carved wood stopper that usually depicts a human figure, animal, or bird. This female figure probably represents an ancestor, and the birds atop her head a totem of the clan that owned this and the flute.

Adapted from

DMA Label text.

• Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Met
  Read an essay about musical instruments in Oceania.

• Encyclopedia Britannica
  Read about the climate, people, culture, and history of Papua New Guinea.

• Encyclopedia Britannica
  Learn more about the region of Oceania.

• National Museums Scotland
  Explore resources about arts of the Oceania region of the Pacific.