Paul S. Namkung World Drums Big Butt Art Deco Series Cajón #009714 – Handcrafted USA

Paul A. Namkung World Drum • Big Butt / Art Deco Series • Snakewood • Signed • #009714

This is not simply another cajón. It is a signed, individually crafted percussion instrument by Paul A. Namkung, the New Mexico artist and drum maker behind the distinctive World Drums / Big Butt Series.

Namkung approached drum making as both an acoustic pursuit and a visual art form. After becoming fascinated by the idea of producing a serious musical instrument from the basic concept of a wooden box drum, he reportedly spent approximately two years developing and refining the design through two dozen prototypes before arriving at the form that became his signature Big Butt drum.

His work went on to attract professional musicians and collectors, appear at major juried art festivals, and earn recognition from the Percussive Arts Society, which featured Namkung in an article devoted to American custom drum makers.

This example is particularly striking.

Paul A. Namkung World Drum

• Big Butt Series
• Art Deco Series
• Snakewood
• Serial No. 009714
• Hand signed by Paul A. Namkung
• Handcrafted in the USA

The front is almost architectural, with highly figured woods arranged in a bold Art Deco composition surrounding the sound port. The contrasting dark and light woods, geometric inlays and dramatic grain make this one as compelling visually as it is musically.

Namkung designed these drums to produce genuine percussion performance rather than merely serve as decorative furniture. The large wooden enclosure gives the instrument a substantial resonant voice, while its construction allows it to function naturally as a seated cajón.

But perhaps its greatest appeal today is its character as a piece of American studio-craft percussion art. Namkung drums do not appear for sale frequently, and highly decorative signed examples are considerably less common than his simpler maple instruments.

Whether purchased by a percussionist, collector of unusual instruments, or someone who simply appreciates beautifully executed functional wood art, this is an exceptionally distinctive piece.

A signed Paul Namkung instrument you can play, sit on, or simply admire.

Please examine the photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description. I’m happy to provide additional photographs or measurements to a serious buyer.