Art History - Essay Example

These particular gongs are made from hollowed up stems of soft wood trees. The wood is curved into shape before the slits on the side are made. Once the human-like faces on the surface are curved and the wood sufficiently hollowed, they are then covered using cowhides, which form the playing surface. The slits on the wood give the drums a deep sonorous sound. They are coloured using wood dye and traditional varnish. The carvers make the surfaces very smooth since they are meant to be used by hand.

The sides have beautiful curving patterns, which sometimes represent natural objects such as moon, sun, animals, flowers and animal horns. The gong is fairly light but big and strong. They can be used for a long time. They are highly valued objects and the bigger they are the more important they are considered to be. With the advent of Christianity, which is currently widespread in Vanuatu, the gongs have been incorporated as accompaniments for songs in church, thus effectively enhancing their original religious purpose (Springs, 12-24).

As a work of art, the gong is a miniature representation of numerous types of artwork. They incorporate both sculpture and panting which is a common feature of Melanesian culture. These drums are painted using red and brown colours. The red enhances their spiritual importance. Just like in modern times red is related to blood, which is the essence of life and sacrifice. The surfaces are usually white in colour but may vary depending on the skin of the animal used. The skin is scraped to make it as light and vibrant as possible.

The patterns on the sides reflect miniature versions done on bodies of dancers, headdresses, ritual objects and shields used during the various cultural ceremonies including worship, harvest celebrations, weddings and funerals. Historically significant events like diseases, victories at war, deaths of prominent persons and famines. All these representations have a religious bearing on