Slit drum – Wood – Mangbetu – DR Congo

Enormous Mangbetu slit drum from DR Congo. Drums are among the most important art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling and communication of messages.
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings, resonate when struck.
Slit drums are played in ensembles at dances and announce the arrival of the chief and other high dignitaries.

Large Mangbetu slit drum from DR Congo. The Mangbetu adorned many prestige objects with figures where the body of the instrument issues arms and legs, although sometimes only a head is carved at the end of the shaft.

Slit drums are played in ensembles at dances and announce the arrival of the chief and other high dignitaries.

Good condition with a beautiful patina of age.

Provenance: former private collection from Italy.