Ghana, West Africa
Ashanti / Akan

Weathered wood, hide
Late 19th – Early 20th Century
Length: 41.5 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

Twenee Drum of the wood carving industry of the Akan speaking people of Ghana. Elaborate carved drums are considered (ahemfo nneεma) part of the royal regalia. The wood carving on this drum has symbolic, aesthetic and ceremonial value that promotes group identity and expresses authority. Provenance: Jean-Pierre Hallet, Malibu, California