Abu' Arapesh · Matapau, Karasin, Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Oceania
Wamuta
Summary
Slit-log drumming system used by the Abu' people of the Toricelli region of Papua New Guinea, described by Nekitel (1985). The instrument itself (wamuta in Abu') is a hollow hardwood log struck with one wooden beater (natakl). According to Nekitel, The Abu' slit-gong signal system bears no close connection to spoken language as do the sound signals of the bamboo trumpet wandihil and triton aluh" (225). Instead, specific drum rhythms correspond to whole messages.Use of the wamuta is restricted to "tambaran cult initiates sulumi". An impromptu variant of the system struck on the cavity of naturally hollow tree (kokolin) can be used by anyone. Content includes long distance announcements, including invitations to gather and messages to prepare for the arrival of important people or guests."
Bibliography
Nekitel, O. I. M. S. (1985). Sociolinguistic aspects of Abu’, a Papuan lanquage of the Sepik area [PhD Thesis]. The Australian National University.