Slit Drum
Slit drum of "wangey" wood with human face carved on handle
7/2017 spell check: Wenge Wood.
7/22/2026: the cylindrical slit gong body surmounted by a finial in the form of an anthropomorphic head with characteristically stylized features, protruding, pierced ears, and a projecting, rounded coiffure, the whole carved of darkened light-toned wood and exhibiting signs of age and use. (From appraisal document). IS
- Object: Slit Drum
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 16" long
- Culture Area: Africa (Zaire)
- Cultural Group: Yaka (Or related group)
- Cultural Context: Decorated slit drums are quite popular among the Yaka people for both music and ritual rights and has become one of their most well recognized cultural symbols. When used ritualistically, the slit drum is called a Mukoku, and plays an import aspect in Yaka divination and burial rights, which in turn, forms an integral cornerstone of Yaka culture. “The slit gong is seen as a representation of the diviner by the members of Yaka society. It is carried at all times by the diviner, used as a seat, and as a container to prepare medicines”
- Donor: Dr. John D Spenst
- Catalog #: 84.030