Drum

Object Details

Kuba artist

Label Text

The relief carving of a hand below the handle is generally described as a warrior's emblem (yolo). It refers to his investiture where, at least symbolically, he presented the hand of an enemy. The face at the top of the handle, although highly stylized on this example, generally appears on royal objects.

Description

Wood drum with round plinth base, long body with swelling top third carved with geometric pattern. Handle has an incised face knotted pattern arm, ending in a flattened hand. Drum head is sewn, and attached with tacks.

Provenance

Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1955 to 1973

Exhibition History

Three Collections: An Exhibition, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, June 1-17, 1955, no. 74

Content Statement

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Bequest of Eliot Elisofon

Mid-20th century

Object number

73-7-445

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Wood, hide, plant fiber, metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 74.9 x 29.8 x 29.8 cm (29 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)

Geography

Kasai-Sankuru River region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Object Name

ngoma buluba

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Leadership

Status

Male use

male

hand

Record ID

nmafa_73-7-445

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7b7bcaa51-4945-4608-a573-ba13c766ed50