Gabon, Cameroon or Equatorial Guinea Regions

Fang

Wood, snake skin, rattan, brass tacks
Early 20th century
Length: 13.375 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

These two drums (AF-MBST-66-88 and AF-MBST-65-88) from the Fang people of Gabon were used in the byeri cult. The initiation of new members is accompanied by several days of music and dancing, as well as ingestion of hallucinogenic plants such as alan, and, increasingly, eboga. These drums were played by initiates. Both have python-skin drum-heads. The python was seen as a protective spirit which encircled the community and defended it from witchcraft, and the use of its skin in the drum had apotropaic properties. Both drums are old and well-used. This smaller drum is conical.