Drum - Single Head

Chokwe Face Drum

SW Democratic Republic of Congo
Chokwe

Wood, skin, brass tacks
ca. Mid-20th century

Height: 38cm
Membranophone - Struck (Directly) - Single-headed

This 3-Face Tribal Drum comes from the Chokwe peoples of Southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Zambia. Drums are used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions including rituals, dances, story telling and communications. The stylistic carved faces are in the image of “Pwo”, an archetype of womanhood, known as the incarnation of the female ancestor who encourages fertility. “Pwo” masks are worn by men as part of the grand masquerade ceremony at the end of the "mukanda" initiation ceremony.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-MBST-21-84

© Hartenberger World Music Collection