Angola
Chokwe

Wood, hide
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 22 inches x Drum Diameter: 12 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Double-headed

A Chokwe hourglass drum called mukupela (mikupela).  It is incised with geometric designs and stylistic facial mask of the Chokwe.   In former times, the mukupela was the insignia of great chiefs and were used for announcements, in particular to accompany the chief and announce his arrival.  It was also reserved for performances associated with the chiefs drum orchestra at the court and used with Mukanda, the men’s initiation society.  The face on the side of this drum represents Mwana wa Pwo, a masquerade character representing a young woman who appears in the communities during men’s initiations to dance or “play” with the women. Today, they are used for dancing and are held in a horizontal position while sitting down.  Both hands are used to play each side of the two-headed hide covered drumheads.  It is carved from one piece of wood in an hourglass shape.  The waisted center has three carved handles.  The hole in the middle is where a calabash (gourd) is attached.  The neck of a calabash is glued into this hole.  Also attached is a  thin membrane (mirliton) that vibrates and adds to the sound.