Mukupiela
Drum with nailed head and a hole on the side for a mirliton.
Sub-Saharan drums feature numerous body shapes and ingenious ways of attaching the skin heads. Drums often incorporate tone modifiers, including metal plates with rattling rings, small bells, mirlitons (buzzing membranes), or rolling balls inside the body. In some areas, drums embody the kinship system and are grouped in families with the "mother" drum playing the central role. Drums may be incised with patterns related to fabric designs or sculpted with symbolic motifs that reinforce social identity.
Sub-Saharan drums feature numerous body shapes and ingenious ways of attaching the skin heads. Drums often incorporate tone modifiers, including metal plates with rattling rings, small bells, mirlitons (buzzing membranes), or rolling balls inside the body. In some areas, drums embody the kinship system and are grouped in families with the "mother" drum playing the central role. Drums may be incised with patterns related to fabric designs or sculpted with symbolic motifs that reinforce social identity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mukupiela
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Culture: Kuba people, Kasai cluster
- Medium: Wood
- Dimensions: H. 21 9/16 × Head diam. 8 7/16 × Greatest diam. 11 3/4 in. (54.8 × 21.5 × 29.8 cm)
- Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / waisted drum
- Credit Line: Gift of Raymond E. Britt Sr., 1977
- Object Number: 1977.454.5
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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