Cleveland Museum of Art

Drum (ngoma)

Date

by 1928

Medium

Wood, rawhide, and plant fiber

Culture

Africa, Eastern Africa, unknown maker

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This musical instrument takes its name ngoma from the Kongo language word for "drum." Specialized craftspeople often made these drums. The wooden base is hollow and covered with a first hide, then a second one held tight by plant fibers. This allows the sound to resonate when just the first membrane is struck. In Uganda, drums contain a ritual "heart" known only to its maker, which helps to imbue it with power. In contrast with royal drums ( mpango ), this instrument is not considered sacred. The sounds from men striking drums could be used as a kind of communication or as music in a performance setting. Paul Travis purchased this piece in Kampala, Uganda, shortly after receiving a telegram informing him that the African Art Sponsors and the Gilpin Players had commissioned him to collect African works with money they raised.

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