Eastern Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.   
Chokwe

Wood, skin, kaolin paste
Collected in the 1950’s
Height: 12 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

A sculptured stylized drum (ngoma) from the Chokwe People. This drum has two resonators. The top bowl is covered by hide and has four (ancestor) carved faces, each facing out in the directions of north, south, east and west. The four-faced top resonator bowl is then supported on the top of the head of a human-like female figure with a short trunk, two bent legs and two feet. This is a posture of respect and a pledge to the ways of the ancestors. Her hallow coiffure is opened at the end and serves as a second resonator, much the same as a wooden bell. There is evidence that the drummer played on both the top membrane and tapped on the hallow coiffure, creating rich and varied sounds (both membranophone and idiophone).   The drum has a rich and natural patina from age and usage.  It is decorated with tribal rust red and white kaolin paste, in addition to the facial carvings and geometric designs carved on the legs.

The Chokwe term hamba (plural: mahamba) is primary considered a tutelary, ancestor, or nature spirit that mediates between God and man. Figurative carvings such as this are one of many material forms mahamba can take.   The word ngoma means drum in many cultures across Africa.