Democratic Republic of Congo

Mangbetu

Wood, metal bells, fiber rope, copper
Early 20th century
Length: 38.125 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly – Slit Drum

The Mangbetu are known for their highly developed art and music. This prestige slit drum presents two women with elegant coiffures.  One side is a full figure female with body and facial scarification.  There is a rope with several metal bells wrapped around her neck as she stands with arms down and to her side.  The opposite end consists of a female head finial with projected eyes and large copper loops with beads attached to one ear and another loop attached through her nose.  Her face also displays scarification.  The beater is attached to the neck of this finial female head with a fiber rope.  Carved at one end of the beater is a finial head with no scarifications.  The resonator box is rectangular on four legs.  This slit drum is large and most likely an object of chiefly use or used by a diviner.  Signs of usage and age.