Democratic Republic of Congo

Zande

Wood, metal, rattan
Mid 20th century
Length: 19.25 in, Width: 7.5 in, Depth: 7.875 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum/Container

African slit drum/container from the Zande people of Congo. This expressive slit drum/container is in the form of possibly a mongoose with his mouth open, nose flared, ears back, and showing his teeth.  It is played with two large sticks that are made of wood with geometric design metal strips throughout the length of the handles.  The end of each stick terminates into a large round bulb-shape.  These mallets are attached by a rattan braided rope that connects them together.  It shows good aged condition, but possible made for the art market or made as a container as there is only a few marks on the sides of the resonator body that would indicate its use as a drum.  The two mallets also indicate they would be more likely used to mix ingrediencies, and the resonator would serve as a diviner’s ritual container.  Nevertheless, many times ritual slit drums combine both functions.