Community Culture

Davin Wynter

CEDC 70700

Community Culture

I visited the Metropolitan Museum and amongst all the different exhibitions, statues, weapons, relics, paintings and other various kinds of art I found an interesting totem pole. At first glance, this fourteen-foot totem pole appeared to be quite plain except for the head. My impression was that totem poles were supposed to have intricate designs from top to bottom. The large eyes and the protruding nose were the first and most notable attributes I noticed and I completely disregarded the huge coin slot looking slit down the middle of the statue. To me it’s simplicity was fascinating, and I compared it to a dough roller if I were to tip it to the side. I decided to take a closer look and upon further investigation I realized I was looking at a massive wood-musical instrument called a slit gong commissioned by Tain Mal and created by an artist named Tin Mweleun.

My interest was peaked and I became much more fascinated as I continued to read. The most interesting discovery for me was the material it was carved from. This slit gong had been carved from the trunk of a breadfruit tree which I have climbed in Tobago, my mother’s country. This connection to my real world made me wonder what other instruments could be fashioned out of both natural and man-made items in our environment.

I learned that this gong was played by striking wooden drumsticks against either side of the slit and it was used in ceremonies and to communicate between villages and could be heard through the forest and sometimes across to other islands. The eyes depict the morning star and the swirls underneath the small arms depict pig tusks while the long slit that I was oblivious to at first, represents the mouth.

Art Activity Ideas:

Before reading the description, have students write on a piece of paper what they think the piece of art is and why? Student responses should be based on observations that can be backed up with evidence. For example, “I think this is a scarecrow because the eyes are big and painted in a way that scares me.” Students then share aloud what they believe the slit gong is and what clues they used to make that inference.

Before reading the description, have students write on a piece of paper or share out what they would name the piece of art. Also have students share out the geographical location of where they think the art was originally created and the materials used to create it.

During this event, I would give students time to create different beats with their hands and feet that will be later used to communicate messages to each other. Starting off with simple commands such as, “Come here” or “Get back” then seeing how intricate the messages can get.

After this event, students can make their own instruments out of items they find in nature or their house. Some of these items can include; rocks, paper towel rolls, boxes, rubber bands, jugs, and plastic bottles. They can also decorate their instruments using various items such as paints, makers or glue and share the significance behind the design with the class.

Open Ended Questions

·      What events do you think they used this instrument for? Why?

·      How do you think they played this instrument?

·      If you made a similar instrument, how would it look? (size, shape)

·      If you made a similar instrument, how would you want it to sound?

·      If you made a similar instrument, how would you decorate it? (colors, carvings)

·      If you made a similar instrument, when would you play it? (special occasions)

·      What do you like about this instrument? Why?

·      If this instrument had one super power what would it be?

·      If you could make this instrument for a friend/family member who would it be and why?

·      Describe this instrument. What do you notice about this instrument?

·      Is there anything that stands out to you?

·      What does this instrument remind you of?

·      What messages could you send using this instrument?

Appendix:

Artist: Tin Mweleun (commissioned by Tain Mal)

Date: mid to late 1960s

Geography: Vanuatu, Ambrym Island

Culture: Ambrym

Medium: Wood, paint

Dimensions: H. 175 1/4 x W. 28 x D. 23 1/2 in. (445.1 x 71.1 x 59.7 cm)

Classification: Wood-Musical Instruments