Unidentified

Slit Drum (nkoko ngombo)

19th century

Category
Culture
Yaka Peoples
Place Made
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Materials
Wood
Measurements
13 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 3 in (34.925 x 5.715 x 7.62 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of an Anonymous Donor
Accession #
95.12
Description

Vertical standing columnar form surmounted by carved face with delicately carved features and a triple-crested coiffure.

This instrument is used as both a symbol and an implement of the ngaanga ngoombu diviner whose image it may represent. The downcast eyes are a sign of the diviner's inner vision, while the crest in the head was modeled after a hairstyle.