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Drum

Object Details

Label Text
The relief carving of a hand below the handle is generally described as a warrior's emblem (yolo). It refers to his investiture where, at least symbolically, he presented the hand of an enemy. The face at the top of the handle, although highly stylized on this example, generally appears on royal objects.
Description
Wood drum with round plinth base, long body with swelling top third carved with geometric pattern. Handle has an incised face knotted pattern arm, ending in a flattened hand. Drum head is sewn, and attached with tacks.
Provenance
Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1955 to 1973
Exhibition History
Three Collections: An Exhibition, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, June 1-17, 1955, no. 74
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Maker
Kuba artist
Date
Mid-20th century
Credit Line
Bequest of Eliot Elisofon
Medium
Wood, hide, plant fiber, metal
Dimensions
H x W x D: 74.9 x 29.8 x 29.8 cm (29 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)
Type
Sculpture

Featured In

  • Music and Spirituality:Music and African Spiritual Traditions
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