Photographs © Tim Hamill
MADINGA, SLIT DRUM 1, 13x39", 38 lbs., $800, Guinea-Bissau
Drums are among the most important art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling and communication of messages.
This slit slit drum was used primarily as a signal gong to alert, assemble or inform the population. Variations in the thickness of the walls would vary the tones when struck by heavy wooden drum sticks.
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