Nfukula (chest drum)

Unknown

early 20th century · Wood, lizard skin, thorns · Musical Instruments

This drum was used by a sikaomba, the traditional praise singer of the Tabwa people, to encourage warriors and exalt leaders. The sikaomba levered the open, concave base of the drum against and away from his chest while he sounded its skin with his hands. This action provided variations in pitch and timbre as he played, sang and performed highly acrobatic dance steps.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 20th century

Medium

Wood, lizard skin, thorns

Culture

Tabwa people

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher M. Brown III Gift, 1994