Bàtá (ìyáàlù) drum
The ìyáàlù (mother) bàtá drum is the largest of a set of drums (typically three to four) used by the Yoruba people. For at least five centuries the drum set was used as a speech surrogate and was associated with Sàngó, Esu Egungun, Oya and other Yoruba orisa cults. At the end of the 20th century the repertoire changed to include secular and, although rare, church music. Bàtá drums are important throughout the African diaspora playing essential roles in New World Lucumi (Santeria) in Cuba, Puerto Rica and the United States where they are used in sacred and secular contexts.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bàtá (ìyáàlù) drum
- Date: early 20th century
- Geography: Nigeria
- Culture: Yoruba people
- Medium: Wood, hide, fabric
- Dimensions: Diam. 11 - 7 × L. 24 in. (27.9 - 17.8 × 61 cm)
- Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / conical drum
- Credit Line: Purchase, Michael M. Sweeley Gift, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.505
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Brandon Rosser
2004
Yoruba
20th century
Fang people
early 20th century
Kuba people
early 20th century
possibly Babungo/Vengo people
ca. 1940
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