Wood, leather, metal, cowrie shells, cloth, figer

Drum - Double Head

Yoruba iya'la

Nigeria/Benin
Yoruba

Wood, leather, metal, cowrie shells, cloth, figer
ca. Mid 20th century

Length: 18.5 inches; diameter: 8.5 inches
Membranophone - Struck (Directly) - Two-sided

This Yoruba "Iya’lu" Drum is considered the most important and sophisticated drum of the Yoruba people, who call it "iya," translated as "the mother." When played it mimicks the tonal language of the Yoruba. Varying sounds are produced by holding this hourglass-shaped, double-headed drum tightly under the arm and squeezing the tension cords/strings, while striking one of the membranes with a curved stick. The stones inside the drum and bells attached to the drum-head loops, add to the sound. Comes from the personal collection of Alan Suits of Coyote's Paw

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-MBST-25-90