Long White Asmat Tifa

Tifa is a traditional musical instrument from Papua, crafted from a single piece of light wood locally known as ebobo, with a membrane made from lizard skin. The distinctive white surface is achieved through a natural process using pounded shells that are ground into powder and applied as white pigment, giving the drum its soft, organic finish. More than an instrument, the tifa plays an important role in Papuan communities, used in rituals, expressions of gratitude, and as a medium to connect with ancestors and spiritual beings. The Asmat tifa is characterized by its narrow form at the center of the body, a feature that produces a louder and more balanced sound with a focused projection. In contrast, tifa from northern regions such as Biak typically narrow toward the bottom, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and more resonant tone. The position of this narrowing influences the acoustic quality of the drum, shaping how the sound is carried and experienced.

Papuan Traditional Drum, Asmat Tribe, circa 2000s
Origin: Sirets, Agats, Papua
Material: Ebobo wood, lizard skin membrane, bamboo binding, finished with natural coloring
Dimension: 118 x 34 x 20 cm