Drum

The relief carving of a hand below the handle is generally described as a warrior's emblem (yolo). It refers to his investiture where, at least symbolically, he presented the hand of an enemy. The face at the top of the handle, although highly stylized on this example, generally appears on royal objects.

Wood drum with round plinth base, long body with swelling top third carved with geometric pattern. Handle has an incised face knotted pattern arm, ending in a flattened hand. Drum head is sewn, and attached with tacks.

Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1955 to 1973

Three Collections: An Exhibition, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, June 1-17, 1955, no. 74

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