Khan Academy: Slit Gong (Atingting Kon)

In this video [2:22] Met curator Eric Kjellgren on communication in Slit Gong [Atingting kon] by the Tin Mweleun peoples of Ambrym Island in Vanuatu, mid to late 1960s. The towering slit gongs of northern Vanuatu are among the largest musical instruments in the world. They are carved from the trunks of breadfruit trees, which are also an important food source. In each village, a number of gongs, comprising a sort of informal orchestra, stand on the village dancing ground and are played at major social and religious events.