indigenousnagaland #11 - Naga Xylophones (Log Drum)

Naga Xylophones (Log Drum) — multipurpose indigenous musical instrument made from a single tree/log.

Size

Length: 30-40 meters at maximum

Height: 5-6 feet at maximum

The log drum is very integral to the Eastern and Central Naga life and warn the arrival of enemy, announce various gennas and certain groups used it to declare deaths; its making, consecration and use is associated with certain rules and rituals; the ceremonial process of making the drum looks almost like a festival. However, the Southern Nagas don't make this drum at all.

Some experts/researchers suggested and connected the log drum with canoes and point towards the Naga links with Austranasians; they hypothesized that the log drum was what their ancestors had used as canoes to travel on water and cited the ornaments from sea shells to strengthen the argument.

Small kids give what appear to be American gang signs from the log drum.

Dr. A.K. Das of National Museum Institute, India, is an expert on Naga life, culture and arts — he talks about the extinct culture (centering around log drum) of Naga from his long field experiences.