What kinds of musical instruments were used to represent supernatural voices in Melanesia?

In Melanesian cultures, various musical instruments are utilized to represent the voices of supernatural beings during ceremonies and rituals. These instruments often serve as sacred cult objects, sometimes housed and revered in special shrines.123

Specific instruments used to embody these supernatural voices include:

• Bull-roarers: These devices, which produce a characteristic howling or whirring sound when whirled through the air, are used in various parts of Oceania to symbolize the presence of totemic ancestors or other supernatural entities.4
• Flutes: In many Melanesian societies, flutes and their music have historically been connected to rites of initiation, with their sounds often associated with the supernatural.3
• Other musical instruments: While specific types can vary by region, the sounds produced by various musical instruments are frequently employed during dances of impersonation to represent the voices of mythical or ancestral beings, as the dancers themselves are often restricted by elaborate costumes and masks.2

These instruments are integral to the region's ceremonial life, where they help create an otherworldly atmosphere during performances that honor spirits and ancestors.12