Democratic Republic of Congo
Songye

Wood, hide, copper ear rings
Mid 20th century
Height: 23 inches; Width: 10 inches; Depth: 11 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

The Songye people of southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo trace succession and inheritance through the female line.  This caryatid drum reflects this cultural practice depicting a female on the bottom supporting both the four striated face masks above and the resonator drum. These representative carved Songye male masks depict and embody strength.  Male masks are used for social control, political action, or solicitations of contributors and protection.  A skilled Songye ancestral drum carved from one piece of wood.