Nigeria
Yoruba

Wood, hide, fiber rope, kaolin paste
Mid 20th century
Height: 15 inches; Drum head Diameter: 4.5 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This caryatid drum comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria.  It is hand carved from one piece of wood in the form of a kneeling woman with a drum overhead.  Generally, these drums are carved as pairs – male and female.  This drum is possibly called a ‘gb’n’ (Igbin) as this type of drum was used in many segments of Yoruba ritual, civic, and spiritual practice including divination.

Divination is a process used to seek and obtain information in terms of guidance from a higher being.  This information helps an individual or community seeking guidance from their gods.  The process of divination varies among different cultures.  The Ifa divination is associated with the Yoruba people of Nigeria.  It is a complex system that involves communication that might include the use of diviners or messengers communicating to the supreme being.  These diviners use various appealing tools including drums, divination trays, etc., to help in their communication.  Nevertheless, many Yoruba are now Christians or Muslims, but aspects of their traditional religion still survive.