Chicago, Illinois
Harmony Company

Wood, metal, hide, ebony
ca. Early 20th century
Height: 62 in; Diameter: 29 in; Depth: 12.5
Strings – Lutes – Banjos

Historic folk art bass banjo with hand-lettered head reading “ZULU KREWE JAZZ BAND/NEW ORLEANS.” The body of the drum reads “MANUFACTURED BY/THE HARMONY CO.”

The Zulu’s roots trace back to 1908–1909, when John L. Metoyer and members of a marching group called The Tramps were inspired by a vaudeville skit, “There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me”, which depicted African-themed characters in blackface and grass skirts. The group adopted the name “Zulu” and developed its own African-themed costumes, including Spanish moss wigs, rabbit fur trim, and gold-painted boots. They then organized as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and was founded to provide benevolent services to its members, such as funeral costs, insurance, and financial aid. This bass banjo comes from the Krewe of one of the  earliest Zulu Jazz Bands. 

Today the Zulu are famous for their coconut throw – quite possibly the most coveted throw in all of Mardi Gras. Zulu’s honor guard is called the Soulful Warriors; and they have characters including Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Province Prince, Governor and Mr. Big Stuff. While the men marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King. The most famous Krewe of Zulu king was Louis Armstrong who reigned in 1949.  Further information can be found here:

Resources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_Social_Aid_%26_Pleasure_Club
https://www.kreweofzulu.com/who-we-are/history-of-zulu
https://louisianastatemuseum.org/exhibit/tramps-kings-100-years-zulu