Ghana, West Africa
Ashanti-Akan

Weathered wood, hide, fiber rope
Early 20th Century
Height: 29 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This ceremonial drum shows Ashanti fertility Goddesses pair, reflective of Ghanaian mythology. The drum depicts both the male and female carved on the front of the slanting wooden pegged drum.  There is detailed carvings throughout with additional zoomorphic figures (chickens/birds), symbols, and geometric pattern designs.  Carvings of four human skulls, serve as the support/legs for the hollowed drum body that are mounted on a circular base.  These skulls possibly represent ancestors. The drum shows age and usage with damage, as seen to the circular base in front.