NE Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire
Dan

Wood, hide, fiber rope, red and white kaolin paste
Mid 20th century
Height: 16 inches: Diameter: 9.5 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

African drums are musical instruments, ceremonial objects and a means of communication. The drums range from everyday objects with monumental, simple forms to ornate pieces bringing status to the owner, connoting power and the honoring of ancestors as shown in this Dan ceremonial drum. The drum head is held in place with the use of large tuning pegs. Three anthropomorphic figures standing with bent knees and hands on the abdomen are carved in high relief on the sides of the convex resonator tube.  Red and white kaolin paste/paint adorn the high relief geometric bands at the top and bottom of this drum.  The drum is carved from one piece of wood (log) and shows signs of age and usage.