Skip to main content

Link to Smithsonian homepage

Smithsonian Music

Main menu

  • Calendar
  • Listen
  • Learn
    • Ask Smithsonian
    • Collections Spotlights
    • Music Stories
  • Watch
  • Blog

LP Oconcolo Batá Drum

Object Details

Description

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Batá Drum, Oconcolo (Small) with 5” and 6-3/4” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá

(2000.3030.14.03).

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”

Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
Latin Percussion
Date made
1999
Credit Line
Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Center for Latino Initiatives (through: Dr.Refugio l. Rochin,Director)
Physical Description
oak (overall material)
metal (overall material)
animal skin (overall material)
webbing (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 18 1/2 in x 8 3/4 in; 46.99 cm x 22.225 cm
Object Name
drum
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Link to Smithsonian homepage

  • About
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
Back to Top