Nigeria

Yoruba

Wood
Mid 20th century
Length: 60.5 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum

Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings are often carved in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms in which the drum becomes the body and resonates when struck. This hand carved anthropomorphic Yoruba stylized drum pays tribute to an ancestor.  It shows a finely detailed female head with a high coiffure, the symbol for “life lived well,” and classic large almond shaped eyes.  A carved braided rope separates the coiffure atop her head. 

Plain tall slit drums were sometimes placed at the entrance of the village and were used to notify the villagers that a visitor/guest has requested and will be entering the village.