Drum - Single Head

Makonde Female Drum

Tanzania/Mozambique
Makonde

Wood and hide
Early to Mid 20th century

Height: 40 inches
Membranophone - Struck - Directly

This Makonde drum with anthropomorphic legs and female imagery suggest that it was used for special occasions. It is goblet shaped with carved patterns on the torso. Excellent patina and signs of tribal use. Because The Makonde of Tanzania and Mozambique are separated by the Rovuma River and are culturally distinct, the first contacts with Europeans did not occur until 1910, and then they were very sporadic. Recently, enclaves of Makonde have developed on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam and of Kambia in Kenya, although they seem to limit their interaction with outsiders, preferring to identify with their own cultural traditions. (Please see reference below)

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-MBST-75

Art and Life in Africa: http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/makonde.html

© Hartenberger World Music Collection