Democratic Republic of Congo
Kuba

Calabash, seeds, cowrie shells, glass beads, nut shells, fiber string, rattan
Mid 20th century
Height: 9 inches: Drumhead Diameter: 4 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

A Kuba beaded calabash hand drum from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The entire drum is a gourd covered on top with animal hide, and cowrie shells and nut shells attached to the side. It shows signs of usage, but remains in good condition. Drums are among the most significant art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in various functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling, and communication of messages.  The Kuba people of today are divided into the Bushoong, Ngeende, Kete, Lele, Binji, Dengese, Mbuun, and the Wongo clans who all pay tribute to “Nyim,” or king of the Bushoong clan. They were first founded by the Bushoong people in the 16th century when they migrated from the north and settled between the Sankuru and Kasai Rivers.