Cameroon

Bamum

Wood
Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 36 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum

A zoomorphic slit drum with hollow chamber, hand carved by the Bamum (Bamun, Bamoun, also called Mum) people of Cameroon. On both ends of this horizontal slit drum are stylized dog heads showing teeth snarling.  On the resonator body are two (2) deeply carved (incised) images of lizard-like creatures on each side facing opposite directions.  The Bamum are noted craftsmen. The men do embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, wood carving, ivory carving, metalwork, and blacksmithing, and the women make pottery. This slit drum shows signs of age and usage.