This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 2001. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit. |
African drums were musical instruments, ceremonial objects and means of communication. The large exhibit focuses on the traditional drums of the Yoruba, Senufo, Kuba, Akan, Chokwe and other peoples, plus slit drums of the Yaka, Dan and Yangere. The drums range from everyday objects with monumental, simple forms to ornate pieces bringing status to the owner, connoting power and the honoring of ancestors.
Other instruments, such as gongs, horns, kora, harps and mbira (thumb pianos) are also included. Most of the exhibit is visual; many pieces are not capable of being played, but some are. We also have contemporary jembe drums, talking drums and balliphones all intended for play.
YORUBA, CEREMONIAL DRUMS, Nigeria
The most impressive collection in the exhibit are the ten Yoruba ceremonial drums, all deeply carved with figures or heads. From the large poster piece on the left to the smallest, each shows a careful design and execution meant to foster both belief and prestige.
Six Bamileke drums, embellished with low relief carving of figures, animals and objects show the creativity and power the Bamileke put into functional objects. We have one massive Slit drum used primarily as a signal gong to alert, assemble or inform the population. Variations in the thickness of the walls would vary the tones when struck by heavy wooden drum sticks. One unusually complex form seems to be a hybrid of styles.
YAKA, DRUMS, Dem. Rep. of Congo
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes the body. Several vertical examples from the Yaka people show careful execution,
Five tall Senufo drums, embellished with low relief animals, exhibit a subtle surface elegance and well designed form
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes the body. Several vertical examples from the Dan people show careful execution,
KUBA, DRUMS, Dem. Rep. of Congo
Nine Kuba examples, with their intricate intertwined abstract designs, a few with faces or hand motifs, show the variety and skill known for Kuba sculpture.
IGBO, CEREMONIAL DRUMS, Nigeria
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes the body. The Igbo use both the vertical and the larger horizontal type. We have one massive slit drum used primarily as a signal gong to alert, assemble or inform the population. Variations in the thickness of the walls would vary the tones when struck by heavy wooden drum sticks.We are also showing a tall, skinheaded drum with wonderful relief carving.
Two Chokwe drums, with their intricate abstract designs and faces, are double-headed.
The most common and popular drums in west Africa, djembes are distinguished by their simple but elegant shapes and powerful sound. New examples can be tightened and tuned by tying the lines together.
Talking drums are smaller and quieter then the Djembes, and get their name from the tonal range (voices) with which it can speak by squeezing and releasing the vertical strings to tighten and loosen the heads. Most are double headed and are struck by a special curved stick.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS, AFRICA
 Gong Catalog |
 Gong Catalog |
 Mbira Catalog |
 Harps Catalog |
 Horn Catalog |
 Gong Catalog |
 Rattles Catalog |
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