Drum · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3048385
Bettina Rübesam, Munich, Germany
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.
Expertise
Certificate of Authenticity, Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, Munich, 7.3.2007
Comparing literature
Gansemans, Jos, Musical Instruments, Tervuren 2009, p. 95 ff.