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

Wood, hide, metal
Mid 20th century
Length: 15 in, Width: 9.875 in, Depth: 10.625 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This 3-face tribal drum (ngoma) comes from the Chokwe people of Southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Zambia. Drums are used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions including rituals, dances, story telling and communications. The stylistic carved faces are in the image of “Pwo”, an archetype of womanhood, known as the incarnation of the female ancestor who encourages fertility. “Pwo” masks are worn by men as part of the grand masquerade ceremony at the end of the “mukanda” initiation ceremony.    The word ngoma means drum in many cultures across Africa.