Gourd, Cowrie Shells, Nuts, Beads, Animal Hide, Braided Rattan

Drum - Single Head

Kuba Hand Drum - Ceremonial

Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Kuba

Gourd, Cowrie Shells, Nuts, Beads, Animal Hide, Braided Rattan
ca. Mid-20th century

Height: 9 inches: Drumhead Diameter: 4 inches
Membranophone - Struck - Directly

Kuba ceremonial drum. The entire drum is a gourd covered on top with animal hide, and cowries and beads attached to the side. It has been used and is in very good condition. Drums are among the most significant art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in various functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling, and communication of messages." The Kuba people of today are divided into the Bushoong, Ngeende, Kete, Lele, Binji, Dengese, Mbuun, and the Wongo clans who all pay tribute to "Nyim," or king of the Bushoong clan. They were first founded by the Bushoong people in the 16th century when they migrated from the north and settled between the Sankuru and Kasai Rivers. According to Bacquart, "Each clan within the Kuba kingdom produced artistic objects with specific characteristics, but there are common stylistic features, including a predilection for incised geometric decoration."

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-MBST-45-86