wood, pigments, animal skin, mirror glass (partly renewed), intact drum skin, carved in relief "SHAMA BENTI NUMBER 1", base

The front of the "ntan" drum, which is usually carved with female breasts, is adorned with a "maternité". The body of the drum is surrounded by skilfully carved iconographic images: a rooster and a hen flank the central figure. They refer to the proverb, "although the hen knows when it is dawn, she leaves it for the rooster to announce." In other words, although knowledge is not gender specific, men are the decision-makers. There is also an elephant, a power symbol of the Asante, and the motif of crescent moon and star, which relates to a folktale that summons the proverb "although the moon is brightest, the star is more constant." Even European motifs such as keys, trumpets and a teapot can be found.

"Ntan" or "ompe" bands were popular among the Akan peoples of Ghana between 1920s and 1950s. They performed on occasions such as naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals and traditional festivals—any event where entertainment was needed.

The term "ntan" does not refer to the drum itself, but rather to the entire event that featured music and the display of carved figurative sculptures. The figures were arranged like a stage set near the "ntan" drums and were intended to enhance the performance.
H: 65 cm, H: 25,6 inch

Provenance:
Rainer Berner, Berlin, Germany
Christof Vonderau, Berlin, Germany
Manfred-Michael Sackmann, Berlin, Germany
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 24 November 2012, Lot 200
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany

AHDRC: 0145853

Lit.: Cole, Herbert M. & Doran H. Ross, The Arts of Ghana, Los Angeles 1977, p. 170 ff

See description