Drum · Ghana, Fante · ID: 3033733
Christof Vonderau, Berlin, Germany
Description
wood, polychrome paint, mirror glass, rising from human legs, the corpus decorated with various animals and human figures in flat relief, inscribed “SHAMA BENTI NUMBER 1”, a seated female figure with child superimposed, animal drum skin, dam., cracks (feet), mirror glass partly missing, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
anthropomorphic drums are prominent centerpieces of popular bands found along the coast and especially among the Fante. “Ntan” or “ompe” groups play for different social occassions such as marriages, coming of age ceremonies for young girls, funerals, for popular entertainment. As noncourt musicians they entertain with a repertoire that includes popular as well as traditional music.
Comparing literature
Aspects, Akan cultures in Ghana, Den Haag 2001, p. 88, ill. 64