Ivory Coast
Baule (Akan)

Weathered wood, hide, fiber rope
Mid 20th Century
Height: 69 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

A ‘talking drum’ of the Baule people from the Ivory Coast, called atungblan (also called klin kpli ‘sacred talking drum’ by the Kôdêh people).  This large tribal drum of cylindrical form is supported by small bent legs and the body is engraved with small human heads and figures in high relief carving.

The atungblan are played in pairs, like the atumpan of the Akan people of Ghana and the atukpani of the Ewe of Ghana. These drums carry great prestige, they are used by the chief’s master-drummer to call to the ancestors by means of rhythmic formulate, to ask them to protect the community. The atungblan are also used to summon people to meetings and at public appearances of the chief, where they are used to drum proverbs.  The atungblan join with other drums, gourd rattles and clapper less bells, to accompany the kpanda dance that includes singing by a mixed choir alternated with solos from two men and two women.