Drum, Luba Style : 2015.2.30

Title:

Wooden Luba Style Drum

Object Name:

Drum, Luba Style

Other Name:

Drum, Wood, Skin

Place of Origin:

Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 32"
W = 11"
D = 11"

The Luba produced numerous prestige objects, which were adorned with figures and were used during official ceremonies, or to display wealth.

Bacquart, P. 156

Luba circular stools, carved from one tree trunk are of high artistic merit. They are usually supported by a caryatid figure of a kneeling or standing woman, the sit resting on her head and also supported by upraised arms. The headrests are also of great variety. The Luba produced ceremonial staffs and scepters of very great variety and beauty. Similar care is shown in adze and axe handles, with the blade inset like a tongue, arrow quivers, etc. In Luba sculpture, one also finds drums, pendants, shields, bellows, and pipes.

Description:

Hollow wooden drum, with circuler top portion, leading downward into tube—like mid—section, to another circular bottom portion, atop a smaller circular two—tiered base. Two arms, starting at bottom of top circular portion of drum, carved away from mid—section and coming to rest in the form of hands, on top of bottom circular portion of drum. Two bas—relief Luba style black faces on each side. Grooved surfaces adorn top and bottom circuler portions of drum. Tan skin on top, with cloth and silver colored nails, adhering skin to top outer circumference of drum.

Collection:

Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)

Material:

Wood W/Skin, Metal and Cloth

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Tanning

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.2.30