Drum

Object Details

Lele artist

Label Text

A drum of this type was used in various aspects of Lele village life. A mask like face is often carved in relief on the surface of the drum along with incised geometric patterns and other figurative elements. Below the face are six carved antelope horns, symbols of power and containers for medicines. Additionally, a snake is carved on the opposite side from the face. This sturdy well-worn drum with its fine figurative elements shows the hand of a master carver.

Description

Cylindrical wood drum with relief face and snake on either side below the drum head.

Provenance

Allen C. Davis, Alexandria, Virginia, acquired in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1977-1980 to 2002

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Credit Line

Gift of Allen Clayton Davis

Mid-20th century

Object number

2002-22-2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 118 x 31.3 x 29.5 cm (46 7/16 x 12 5/16 x 11 5/8 in.)

Geography

Democratic Republic of the Congo

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Human

snake

geometric motif

male

Record ID

nmafa_2002-22-2

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys75ca3e95e-759b-4e60-ba26-d42144caa859