Drum ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3048385

Description

wood, animal skin, cowrie shell, tapestry nails, intact original covering

The drum handle is carved with a striking hand motif.

According to the anthropologist Maes, the meaning of these drums is to be found in a distant past, when no “longomo” or dignitary could be admitted into the “yolo” or “master of war” caste if he could not prove that he had killed an enemy.And the best proof of this was the severed hand of a slain enemy. This hand was shown like a visiting card to the established dignitaries on the day of initiation. During the initiation the hand was burnt and the new initate received a “yolo” drum as proof of his membership.

Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to prove whether this fascinating story corresponds to reality.

The object Drum with the object ID 3048385 was part of the auction 97th Auction on November 6, 2021. The object with the lot number 313 achieved a sales price of EUR 700 with an asking price of EUR 600.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Expertise

Certificate of Authenticity, Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, Munich, 7.3.2007

Comparing literature

Gansemans, Jos, Musical Instruments, Tervuren 2009, p. 95 ff.