This is a precious collection of Siwalima Museum in Ambon. It is called "babal" (drum) and it originates from the Southern islands of this archipelago. This approximately 1 meter high collection is made of coconut material and the drum of goat skin.
The babal functions as a music instrument to accompany tribal dances. It also functions a an announcer to call for the clan leaders or the society to gather at the village community house the "baileo" so that the 'raja' (the head of the village) can speak to them or give instructions.
The anthropomorphic figure who support the drum is a symbol of the presence of ancestral spirits who speak towards the living through the babal. Whenever the babal is beaten everybody must obey and come to the village meeting house (baileo).
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