Accession Number
1983/2.171

Title
Drum

Artist(s)
Kuba

Artist Nationality
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
wood, animal skin, and plant fibers

Dimensions
29 1/2 in x 11 in x 12 5/8 in (75 cm x 28 cm x 32 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Al and Margaret Coudron

Subject matter
According to Kuba oral history, drums were said to have been introduced by king Shyaam. They served as symbols of royal dignity and were used for dance during various ceremonies. Pel ambish is a drum of office commissioned by the king and contains a distinct geometric pattern of his choosing.

The face on this particular drum can be a potential representation of a king or a titleholder. After the king's death the drum turned into a commemorative object, removed and exhibited on important occasions. The hand depicted on this drum often served as a symbol representing a warrior. Additionally the geometric patterns on this drum are similar to the patterns found on Kuba textiles and basketry. 

References:
David Binkley, Avatars of Power, 1987
Donna Coates Rogers, Royal Art of Kuba 1978
Daniel Biebuyck, The Arts of Zaire, 1985
Georges Meurant, African Textiles from the Kingdom of Kuba, 1986
Roy Sieber, African Textiles and Decorative Arts, 1972
Jan Vansina, The Children of Woot, 1978

Physical Description
Vertically positioned drum with cylindrical form. There is a face carved into the drum and underneath the face is a carved hand. Right above the hand is a rectilinear design, resembling interlocking boxes, wrapping around the circumference of the drum. Directly behind the hand is another geometric pattern resembling interlocking diamonds wrapping around the circumference of the drum.

Primary Object Classification
Musical Instrument

Primary Object Type
percussion instrument

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
carvings (visual works)
masquerades
prestige
royalty (nobility)