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Slit Gong

Yoruba Chamber Gong

Nigeria/Benin
Yoruba

Wood
ca. Early-Mid 20th century

Height: 60.5"

Slit gongs/drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings are often carved in human or animal forms in which the drum becomes the body and resonates when struck. This anthropomorphic Yoruba stylized carved drum shows a woman with a high coiffure, the symbol for "life lived well." These tall slit gongs may be placed at the entrance of the village and are used to notify the village a visitor/guest has requested and will be entering the village.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-147