Baoule Drum. Monoxyl. Ivory Coast. Early 20th Century.

Monoxyl cylindrical drum cut from an indefinite type of wood.  
It is covered with a thick bovine hide. It is tensioned by twisted fiber strips, secured by seven large wooden pegs, one of which is missing. 
The tension of the hide is obtained by pushing the pegs in more or less, thus exerting pressure on the weave and stretching the hide. The rough appearance of the skin and pegs contrasts with the patina of use generally obtained during ritual handling, to which are added the application of vegetable oil, dust and lampblack.
Various ornamental motifs are carved around the perimeter of the shaft. 
The first register consists of a frieze of six heavily engine-turned lines, interspersed with seven different faces. The faces are framed by the rough wooden pegs. 
In a lower register is a strong peripheral molding (9), widely openwork, which can be found on other objects (stools), enabling the propagation of sound and adorning the base of the drum. 
Height 34 cm Diameter 28 cm
Weight: 3 kg

Related Pieces: Musée Barbier Muller, Musée du Quai Branly Ex Collection Helena Rubinstein ( Catalogue de vente lot N° 43 Vente Parke Bernet NY 21 avril 1966 )

 Antiquités Chaussat. Thairé, La Rochelle