The tropical islands of
Vanuatu in the
South Pacific, is home to one of the world’s largest free standing musical
instruments. Drums that mysteriously disappear in the night.
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The tropical islands of
Vanuatu in the
South Pacific, is home to one of the world’s largest free standing musical
instruments. Drums that mysteriously disappear in the night.
Tropical Island Giant Drums Mysteriously Disappear in the Night -
The tropical islands of
Vanuatu in the
South Pacific, is home to one of the world’s largest free standing musical
instruments. Drums that mysteriously disappear in the night.
Tropical Island Giant Drums Mysteriously Disappear in the Night
By Wendy StenbergTendys
Sep 4, 2008 - 10:36:17 AM
In the archives of the police
station in the tropical islands of
Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, you
will find an interesting story of giant drums that walked into the night, never
to be seen again.
Vanuatu is
home to a collection of sacred art which has been traditionally kept secret
from the outside world. "Art that could easily be mistaken for any piece of
modern artwork," stated David Baker, curator of the Annandale Gallery, which
recently hosted a
Vanuatu
exhibition, which set the art world agog.
Among the art was a four foot Tam Tam, or wooden carved
drum, one of the world’s largest free standing musical instruments. The face,
or faces, is stylized to represent an ancestor.
The
eyes representing the morning star, of a society which has kept its traditional
secrets well away from the eyes of the world. The slit up the front of
the drum allowing the ancestor to speak, when the lip of the drum is beaten
with a small wooden club.
These ancient drums played a significant role in
ancient customs and traditions.
They were a vital
part of sacred ceremonies, such as initiations, funerals and traditional
dances. Carefully coordinated actions by multiple drummers, beat the lip of the
gongs with a small wooden club. The informal village orchestras could perform
rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and complexity.
The gongs were also a method of
communicating with neighboring villages. Intricate messages could be sent over
long distances, using a unique gong language. Even neighboring islands could be
contacted if the atmospherics were favorable. However, the art of the intricate
language of the gong is almost lost among the younger generation.
Smaller hand-carved versions of
the larger musical instrument are frequently carried home by tourists to these
tropical islands, totally unaware of the deep cultural significance.
While Tam Tams with one and two faces are a common site in
the tropical islands of
Vanuatu,
only one particular group of islanders, on the remote
island of
Ambrym,
in the
province
of
Malampa, have the
intellectual property-rights to carve these ancient drums.
At the opening of Le Meridien, an international resort in
Port Vila, on the main island of Vanuatu, Efate,
it was decided that two five headed Tam Tams
would be purchased to adorn the imposing entrance to the resort. A lot of money
was paid and the day arrived when the massive drums were proudly hauled into place.
People admired the two wooden drums that towered high
overhead, until disaster struck. A lot of money had been paid to someone who
had no traditional right to carve the drums. All hell broke loose. Many people
were deeply upset, particularly the family who had the sole right of carving
the ancient artifacts.
As the days passed it looked as if
the storm would pass by, until one misty night the Tams Tams mysteriously
disappeared, in spite of security guards patrolling the area. Urgent queries
went out to find out who had taken the Tam Tams and where they were located.
Many people were questioned. The police were called. All to no avail.
No matter who was asked, only one answer was given.
“With the aid of the spirits of the night, the Tams Tams had walked away. We not know where spirits takeem.”
The offending Tams Tams have not been seen from that day to
this. The managers of Le Meridien had to reorder a new Tam Tam, this time from
the rightful carvers.
Could anyone reading this story, please report if they see
any giant wooden Tam Tams walking the streets on misty nights. Please contact
Paramount Chief of ‘Tam Tam Five Heads Anyonymous’. Perhaps the drums will be
singing the 1970’s song, “
These feet are made for walking, and that's
just what they'll do, one of these days these feet are gonna walk all over you.”
Vanuatu is also the home to a once in a lifetime Blue Moon Opportunity. It is worth taking a few minutes to check it out.
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The offending Tams Tams have not been seen from that day to
this. The managers of Le Meridien had to reorder a new Tam Tam, this time from
the rightful carvers.