Bali in northwest Cameroon
Bamileke

Wood, cowhide, stones
Mid 20th Century
Length: 27 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

A magnificent drum that comes from Bali in north-west Cameroon, just west of Bamenda.  It is a rural area ruled by a Fon, or local prince.  Bali is one of the most colorful and interesting corners of Cameroon, with a famous oracle, a yearly festival in honor of the Fon, and an extraordinarily rich artistic tradition which includes the famous elephant masks made of wood and brass. Almost the entire artistic production of Bali is related to the Fon. This drum was made for the yearly ceremony, and the central decoration is a series of portraits of the last four Fons of Bali. The lower and upper sections of the drum are carved with friezes of crocodiles, regarded as sacred to the Fon. The lower frieze is pierced, the upper one in relief. The drum skin is tightened with a series of pegs around the rim of the drumhead, a traditional form of construction which allows the drum to be tuned. Such “long drums” were display items as well as instruments. They were played standing up, as opposed to the smaller, double-skinned drums which were used for processions. The drum shows signs of use and is superbly carved.