Uganda
Toro/Nyoro/Ankole

Wood, cowhide, stones
Pre 20th Century
Length: 11.75 in, Diameter: 10 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This Uganda drum possibly from the Toro/Banyoro/Nyoro/Ankole people, is called an “Engoma.”  It was used for communication, worship and healing rituals, and twin initiation ceremonies.  Inside the drum are possibly stones that can be heard when shaken.  The Engoma (also called ingoma or ng’oma) are drums used by certain Bantu populations of Africa.  The term engoma was used by these people in German East Africa in 1906.  While this engoma is considered a single headed drum, its cylindro-conical shaped wooden frame is completely covered by cowhide including both ends and it has an intricate lacing system.  Different Bantu-people in the various Uganda regions have similar drums, but with different names for their instruments.  Due to the provenance and history of this drum, this is the specific information and name we have for this particular drum.