Iringa Region, Tanzania
Hehe (Wahehe)

African Blackwood, hide
Mid 20th century
Height: 15.75 in; Head Diameter: 7.5 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

The Hehe (Swahili collective: Wahehe) are a Bantu ethnolinguistic group (speaking the Bantu Hehe language).  They are based in the Iringa Region in south-central Tanzania.  From census reports, the Hehe population (@250,000) continues to show increases in numbers in the Iringa Region, with addition Wahehe (@4,500) located in Uganda.

Historically, they first became famous for vanquishing a German expedition at Lugalo on August 17, 1891, and maintaining their resistance for seven years thereafter under the leadership of their chief Mkwawa.

For the Hehe, music is a major form of expression. Singing, drumming, dancing with ankle bells, and the playing of stringed instruments, both plucked and bowed, are widely practiced. There is little graphic or plastic art aside from minimal decoration of pottery and the carving of wooden stools or wooden objects such as this drum.

This hourglass shaped drum has a single skin drumhead attached by wooden pegs.  It is often played with both hands and is held between the legs while standing. These drums serve as rhythm instruments only, used to accompany singing, dancing, and cultural rituals.

Resource:  https://musicaparaver.org/instruments/type/hourglass-drum/2821