Traditional Musical Instruments in PNG

Papua New guinea traditional music were typically ceremonial, enchants and spells. There was less attention on the art of vocals and the use of instruments in creating melodies. The use of traditional music instruments like kundus, garamuts, conch shells, bamboo flutes etc. are an important part of PNGs culture and tradition.

The designing and production of PNGs traditional musical instrument is an art that was passed down from generations to generations.

Much skills were engaged in the identification of suitable materials for the production of musical instruments, the location of raw materials and the preparation processes of the instruments.

Since music is a part of PNGs culture in communicating important messages and ideas in the community, the art of producing a traditional musical instrument is therefore regarded as an attribute of a chief or a Chiefs bloodline, and it is here that traditional music had an impact on leadership.

Traditional musical instruments were strictly used and cared for. There is a high respect for the instruments and strong beliefs towards the use and care for the instruments. It is part of PNGs culture and beliefs that a musical instrument must be used by certain people who are authorized and recognized by the chief and has special skill in using the instrument.

The female folks in the community were most often strictly prohibited from using or to the extreme coming into contact with a traditional musical instruments during festive seasons.

Now our music culture has involved and adjust to western culture which can present a challenge and an opportunity as well.

Papua Niew Guinea musician must be creative in utilizing our traditional music instruments to show case our culture in an innovative contemporary manner.

PNG contemporary music is unique and deserves more international exposure.