Gabon
Vuvi

Wood, hide and fur, kaolin paste
Early 20th Century
Height: 41 in; Head diameter: 8 in; Total diameter: 11 in (w/fur)
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This is a very rare tall cylindrical drum from the Vuvi people of Gabon.  There are two high relief carved faces (masks) with white kaolin paint towards the top of the drum on two sides.  The faces, characteristic of the Vuvi mask, are somewhat flat, each with small protruding lips, a small triangular nose, arched eyebrows and protruding slit eyes.  The drum head is made from animal skin and still retains the fur around the side. This drum is made from a single log of wood with the wood grain still visible and highlighted. The coloring of the drum is a gradient from darker at the top to light/unstained at the bottom. A ring is carved around the drum near the bottom, with the wood tapering slightly on either side.  This drum shows age and usage.  The drum heads looks to have been replaced several times.

The Vuvi (or Vouvi) live in the central region of present-day Gabon.  Artistically and culturally, the Vuvi were inspired by stylistic masks of their neighbor, the Mitsogho.  Neverthelss, the Vuvi carved masks are flat, covered with white pigment, display a triangular chin, has large arched eyebrows going from the root of the nose to the edges, and are often more elongated than those of their neighbors, the Mitsogho (Tsogo), Punu, and Lumbu, but like the Mitsogho, their masks were worn during funeral ceremonies.