Kettledrum

Pairs of kettledrums were traditionally paired with sets of evenly numbered trumpets and used in military and ceremonial functions. The drums were played with wooden mallets by players who were members of the musicians guild who carefully guarded the techniques, repertoire, and traditions associated with these instruments. Accordingly, guild kettledrummers and trumpeters were paid more than the typical soldiers. When used in ceremonial processions, the drums were typically draped in colorful banners and mounted and played on horseback. Often, kettledrummers in European courts and military units were black African men.

Technical description: Copper shells, smaller drum of a pair with 89.4.1340 measureing 425 mm (16 3/4 in) in Height with a stand of 4 inches by 590 mm (23 1/4 inches) in diameter. Seven metal rod tensioners requiring a drum key to tune. Each screw is received by an iron mount, decorated like a downward pointing leaf with eight lobes, riveted to the shell. Metal (possibly iron) counter hoops with eyelets attached for the metal screws. Calfskin head. The drum has an internal metal funnel (schaltrictern) above the vent hole at the bottom of the drum. This mechanism is commonly found on seventeenth and eighteenth century drums made in Germanic areas and was thought to imrpove the sound quality of the drums. (Jayson Kerr Dobney 2003)