
Description
This carved wooden sculpture represents a buffalo, but it is actually a drum. The block of wood has been hollowed out so that when it is hit, a sound is made that can be heard for as much as twelve miles away. In Central Africa, drums like this were used to transmit messages, but also used to make music during dances. There is a slit, that is, a narrow opening, along the top of this carving, which is why this is called a “slit drum.” One side of the opening is carved out thinly, the other is thicker. When the drum is played, the drummer can produce high or low sounds depending on which side it hit, and the variety of sounds is so great the drummer may actually mimic the sound of spoken language.
Enormous wooden slit drum in good condition with traces of tribal use. Total length: 118 cm.
Provenance: former private Italian collection.
Object:
Slit drum
Ethnic group:
Lobala
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
42x118x37 cm
Weight:
15 kg
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $1,200.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $150.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Enormous wooden slit drum in good condition with traces of tribal use. Total length: 118 cm.
Provenance: former private Italian collection.
Object:
Slit drum
Ethnic group:
Lobala
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
42x118x37 cm
Weight:
15 kg
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $1,200.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Zoömorphic Slit Drum – Wood – Lobala – DR Congo
Estimate $1,500-$2,000
Starting Price
$950
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Decorative Tribal Art Sale
May 20, 2026 12:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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