Tanzania
Possibly ‘Nguni’

Wood, hide, fiber, metal, cowrie shells, beads
Mid 20th century
Length:  24 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This fascinating elongated female figure with articulated arms and an animal skin attached with metal studs to her belly (which tells that the figure was used as a drum), comes from Tanzania.  This female figural drum wears a cowrie shell necklace, a skirt made of several reeds, and beaded anklets around each ankle. The form and style of this interesting figure are very similar to the figures found among the Nguni who live in Tanzania and South Africa. The Nguni peoples were formerly drumless, however they now possess drums they call igbue or isigbu.  Tanzanian tribal art is less researched and published than Western and Central art.  A drum like this is quite rare to find. It was used as a drum by a ritual specialist or it was part of popular drum ensemble to accompany music, songs, and dances during ceremonies and festivals.