Drum

late 19th century
Not on view
Like the interlocking rhythmic patterns typical of Sub-Saharan music, Kuba carvers embellish the surface of their drums with intricate interlocking geometric patterns and repetitions that are similar to woven textile patterns. Sculpturally, outcurving arms and a central column, like those on this dumbbell-shaped example, are a feature of specific Kuba drum types.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Drum
  • Date: late 19th century
  • Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Culture: Kuba (Shoowa) people
  • Medium: Wood, hide
  • Dimensions: H. 80 x W. 37.5 x D. 30cm (31 1/2 x 14 3/4 x 11 13/16in.)
  • Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / waisted drum
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.22
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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