Spider Drum

ca. 1940
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Made to showcase the skills of a carver from the western grasslands of Cameroon, this drum, elaborately carved from a single log, features motifs associated with royal spider stools which, in the late 20th century, were adapted for commercial distribution. Relief figures encircling the drum are undercut and represent the spider, symbol of wisdom and link between this world and that of ancestors. They also suggest communal support of the Fon (chief). However, this drum was not used for official functions but was displayed with other paraphernalia in the palace.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Spider Drum
  • Date: ca. 1940
  • Geography: Cameroon
  • Culture: possibly Babungo/Vengo people
  • Medium: Cordia Platythyrsa or Iroko wood, hide
  • Dimensions: Overall: 38 × 24 5/8 in. (96.5 × 62.5 cm);

    Weight: 65 lbs approx


    Drum: Height: 26 3/16; Diam (Of head): 18 1/2; Base: 15 9/16 in. (H. 66.5 x Diam. 47 x Base 9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / cylindrical drum
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2016
  • Object Number: 2016.467
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.