Slit Gong at Quai Branly, Paris

myminifactory

The massive slit drums of northern Vanuatu stand tall as some of the largest freestanding musical instruments on earth. Predominantly found in Ambrym, Malakula, and neighboring islands, these instruments are carefully crafted from the trunks of large breadfruit trees, hollowed out to create a resonating chamber with a narrow slit-shaped opening. The edges of the slit are struck by clublike wood beaters, producing rich, sonorous tones that echo through the air. A cluster of gongs, making up an informal orchestra, stands proudly on the village's dancing ground. These gong orchestras are played at major social and ceremonial events such as initiations, dances, and funerals, where they add a unique touch to the proceedings. Through carefully coordinated actions, the drummers in the gong ensemble produce rhythms of immense variety and complexity, captivating all who listen. In addition to their role in music-making, slit gongs were also used to communicate between villages. Under ideal atmospheric conditions, their sound can travel for miles through the forest and, on rare occasions, across the water to neighboring islands. A series of gong "languages" composed of beats and pauses allows highly specific messages to be sent over long distances. This slit gong from the village of Fanla on Ambrym Island was commissioned in the 1960s by the village chief Tain Mal, who is credited as its creator. However, it was actually carved by Tin Mweleun, an artist from a neighboring village. The gong takes the form of a stylized ancestor figure, with spiral motifs painted on the eyes representing metan galgal, the morning star. Small arms and spirals depicting sacred pig tusks appear on either side of the face, which is surrounded by projections representing hair. The long vertical slit represents the mouth, through which the ancestor's "voice" emerges as sound whenever the gong is played. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory. Through this initiative, we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan The World is an open source, community effort, where anyone can contribute interesting items from their surroundings. If you have something to share, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help bring it to life in 3D form.