Slit drum
D. R. Congo, Yaka
sold
EUR 2,400
Provenance
Mission des Rédemptoristes Belges au Bas-Congo (1899-1920)Loed van Bussel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Lucas Ratton, Paris, France
Size
H: 34 cm
H: 13.4 inch
Description
wood, encrusted patina, remains of pigments, cylindrical corpus, crowned by anthropomorphic head with massive horns, wickerwork basket with feathers ornament, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
used at divination ceremonies to accompany ritual songs. The rectangular opening not just served as soundbox, but could contain magical mass as well.