Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chokwe people, ca. early 20th century CE. A carved, hourglass-shaped, double-skin covered drum with three low, vertical handles. Drums like these are called "mukupela". The surface of the drums were carved in high relief with intricate geometric patterns, concentric circles, and linear designs. This example has wave-like and concentric square patterns alongside less abstract motifs that look like eyes or stylized facial elements, all carved as incised motifs around its upper and lower body. The wood is cikamba, the skin likely from antelope, goat, or sheep. The black patch on the drum surface is made from natural rubber. Size: 10.4" W x 19" H (26.4 cm x 48.3 cm) Royal mukupela belonged to the chief and were used to send messages to hunters and warriors as well as providing rhythms to accompany dancers during religious and social ceremonies. A seated drummer would place the mukupela horizontally in his lap and strike both heads with the palms of his hands. To tune them, they were held close to a fire to increase the tension in the skin. The shape of the natural rubber also had a major role to play in the pitch of the instrument, and it could be shaped on the fly during a playing session to change the depth of sound produced. See a similar example from Christie's Paris, June 2009, Lots #317 and #318. Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #127303