Such small slit gongs are quite rare. One very similar drum is shown in Felix Spicer’s book, “Ethnography of Vanuatu” by Felix Speiser and was collected during his 1910-1912 research period on Malekula Island. Such small drums would be for personal use rather than for use in a large ceremonial context. This drum is obviously old; the face is beautifully and abstractly carved with a face and domed head very similar to the Spicer example. There are layerings of paint, some of which are enamel. When it was collected is unknown, but it found its way into a Melbourne collection.