Democratic Republic of Congo
Kuba “Ngeende”

Wood, hide, metal, coins, cowrie shells
Early 20th century
Height: 15 inches; Diameter: 12 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

The Kuba Kingdom, or the Kuba confederation, is a state and political entity that brings together some 20 Bantu people, who developed from different Bantu states.  Today they are divided into the Bushoong, Ngeende, Kete, Lele, Binji, Dengese, Mbuun, the Wongo and other clans.  They were first founded by the Bushoong people in the 16th century when they migrated from the north and settled between the Sankuru and Kasai Rivers. 

This is a rare Ngeende (Kuba) people ceremonial pwoom itok (face) single-headed pedestal drum of the Kasai province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  An identifying feature of the drum is the carved face in the side with protruding chameleon-like eyes (cone-shaped) that suggest an ability to perceive the invisible, and the extensive use of various metal materials.  Both the white cowrie shells and attached metal coins symbolize prestige and wealth, while the metal tack-speckled face represents a high titleholder.  This drum was used at initiations (called babende) and at burials to signify an elders’ knowledge.

Resource:  https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/84616