A Queen's Gong

A 12-ft high Fanla slit gong was presented to Queen Elizabeth during her March tour of the Pacific. According to Miss Patter son, it was owned by the highest ranking man on North Ambrym in the New Hebrides, called Tain Mai. It's of the "Atingting Gelan" type (meaning beautiful slit gong) and the hands carved on either side of the face are the personal insignia of Tain Mai and his sons, who possess the only right to use them. The gong has a long history.

It is said to have come from a man from West Ambrym, who settled in Pangim and put it up in the ceremonial ground. From there it was bought by men of an inland village, who finally sold it for many pigs to Tain Mai. When in Tain Mai's possession, the gong took part in the "Tobuan" rite described in the article, the ladder leading up to the gong starting well outside the ceremonial ground and consisting of over 100 rungs.

The gong was famous throughout North Ambrym, and its sounds could be heard in many of the coastal villages.