Ghana
Ashanti (Akan)

Wood, hide, fiber rope
Mid 20th century
Length: 16.75 in; Diameter: 7 in (head)
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

Apentema (apentemma) drums from the Ashanti of the central states of Ghana. The apentema is played in the adowa dance, a traditional funeral music and dance style that is  accompanied by drums, bells and shakers. The hand-carved Ashanti drums from this region are carved from Tweneboa wood and are made in various sizes.  The largest is called fontomfrom, that has a cowhide that is fastened with fiber cords to pegs that fit into the drum shell. Then the atumpan, a smaller size than the fontomfrom, that is goblet shaped, and played in pairs. Next is the apentema, which is smaller than the atumpan, but is also goblet shaped with a hallow pedestal base.  And finally, the apetia (petia) that plays a repetitive pattern that can be clearly heard above the other drums due to its higher pitch. 

The goblet-shaped apentema (also called ampae) is part of several drum groups or ensembles played in West Africa and is also considered the master drum in adzewa, apoc, and kurunk music.  The pair are also used as talking drums.  The drumhead of the apentemma is struck with palms of the drummer’s hands and has a softer attack than the other drums in the (Kete) ensemble that are beaten with sticks.