Atlantic coast of the Republic of Guinea
Baga

Wood, hide, polychrome, pigment
Mid 20th Century
Length: 48.5 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

Music and art play an integral role in both the religious and secular life of the Baga people, who live along the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Guinea.  This drum is called a-ndef (ah-endeaf) and is part of the Baga women’s association known as A-Tekan (ah-te-khan).  Initiation into this society that supports solidarity and cohesion of female power to those who have bore children.  This drum was played at several ritual occasions including annual week-long initiation ceremonies for new initiates, at the funerals of members and at the marriages of members’ daughters.  This drum along with other instruments were played by the A-Tekan members.  Distinctive about this drum is its size.  One must stand to play it. This drum was carved from a single piece of wood and painted by men, but only the women could commission and play them.

This drum displays a female figure kneeling (an act of devotion) supporting a globe-shaped drum on her head.  In real life, the female women and children often carried clay water vessels and large rice-filled baskets on their heads.  ‘In traditional wedding ceremonies practiced before the mid-20th century, a bride was expected to perform a dance in which she carried on her head a basket, into which well-wishers would throw gifts of money and rice grains. The serpent-like form around the drum barrel symbolizes her fertility through an association with the python spirit of the Baga people’s life cycle.’

Resource: National Museum of African Art / Baga Drum (si.edu)