Central and Western coastal regions of Ghana and parts of Ivory Coast
Fante (Akan)

Twene Boa wood, animal hide, fiber rope, kaolin paste
Late 19th century
Height: 28.75 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

Relief carved drum from the Fante, a subgroup of the Akan people.   The Fante (also spelled: Fanti) live on the central and western coastal regions of Ghana and parts of the Cote d’Ivoire. They number about 2.5 million.   The Fante, along with the Asante, two of the largest ethnic groups to make up the Akan, are well-known for their dramatic drums that are often represented by female figures. This nineteenth century  ‘Queen Mother’ drum was the lead drum played during Fante festivals, such as initiation ceremonies, popular festivals, at funerals, weddings, and in other social gatherings to entertain the people. The elaborately carved drum illustrates part of the conventional oral literature of the Akan.  These pictorial motifs range from praise names, proverbs and folk tales to riddles, boasts and insults.