Democratic Republic of Congo

Lobala

Wood, kaolin paint
Mid 20th century
Length: 18.5 in, Width: 4.75 in, Depth: 5.125 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum

A small anthropomorphic hand carved slit drum by the Lobala people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  This slit drum may have been used for signaling.  
The slit drum is masterfully carved to represent the bushcow. The ovoid body is carved with a border of zigzags that is painted with red and white kaolin paint.   It stands on four bowed rectangular legs with painted geometric designs.  On one end is a narrow, tapering and gracefully carved “head,”  with downward carved horns.  It has a light brown patina with signs of usage and age.