This wonderful wooden sculpture was carved in a buffalo shape to act as a drum. These drums were interesting large sculptures because they represented the power of spirits in the forest. It was carved out of a block of wood and hollowed so that when hit, it produces a sound that can be heard many miles away. Such drums were used to transmit messages and also to make music during dances. It has a slit (narrow groove) at the top which serves as a sound opening hence a ‘slit drum’.
This idiophone drum is struck with a stick along both sides of the narrow groove, which produces two different pitches. Both sides of the groove are carved differently with one side thin and the other thicker. When the drum was played, the drummer could produce high or low sounds depending on which side it hit, and the variety of sounds is so great the drummer could actually mimic the sound of spoken language. It was usually placed down on the ground or carried around on the player’s shoulder by a strong rope while playing. It has worn out brown patina and shows signs of age due to extensive usage but in a fairly good condition.
- Material: Heavy Wood
- Condition: Slight damage on the groove and on the side
- Age: approx 50-60 yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- SKU: LMCL-057
- Weight: 13 kg
- Dimensions: 138 x 29 x 33 cm