South African-Zimbabwean border
Venda Drum Maker: Simon Mikosi 

Ox-hide, Imbuia Wood
Large ngoma – Height: 22 in; Diameter w/handles: 31.5 in – 79 lbs
Smaller thungwa – Height:14.5 in; Diameter w/handles: 29 in – 49 lbs
Membranophone – Struck – Single-headed Drum 

The Venda people, like many of the tribes in South Africa came from Central Africa.  Their mythical culture is closely associated with the spirit world, which is clearly expressed through their art designs on structures, pottery, and woodcarving. 

The construction of the smaller Venda drum, called ‘thungwa’ consists of a single-headed, pot-shaped drum with a hemispherical resonator body carved out of solid wood.   The ox-hide drumhead  is played with a stick.  The sides of the drum are ornamented with four ‘handles’ which interlace in pairs.  The space between the handles of the thungwa  (smaller drum) displays a triangular shield on one side and a plain rectangle band on the opposite side.  These drums are of considerable weight.
Venda drums are often given personal names and are kept in the homes of chiefs and headmen.

According to Gary Van Wyk, Ph.D. Curator Axis Gallery: 
“These Venda drums are used for specialized communal events, particularly for rainmaking and for the Domba, a communal ceremony for women’s initiation that features a python dance.  When played as a set of drums used for rainmaking, they are called a “herd,” evoking the tie between rain and a fat and healthy herd of cattle, which are also used in sacrifices to the ancestors to appeal for rain and other blessings” (Anitra Nettleton, expert on the Venda).”