Drum
This drum forms part of a pair, which are played together to imitate Akan speech. They are usually tuned differently to mimic male and female speech tones and patterns. In modern Ghana, atumpan drums are symbols of status, power, and are used to ‘speak’ texts such as praises, proverbs and poetry. They are also played to accompany Adowa dance ensembles at important cultural ceremonies.
The carved design on this particular example shows crossed crocodiles. This refers to a proverb about the need for members of one family to co-operate. The elephant is a common symbol of strength and fortitude.
Obtained before 1957.
The carved design on this particular example shows crossed crocodiles. This refers to a proverb about the need for members of one family to co-operate. The elephant is a common symbol of strength and fortitude.
Obtained before 1957.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 81/1957/1
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Musical instruments
- Collection Area Region
- W
- Material
- woodfibreskin
- Common Name
- drum
- Simple Name
- drum
- Production Country
- Ghana
