
Description
Ex Zemanek-Münster auction
Authentic Ashanti drum with great signs of use and age from Ghana
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.
wood, paint residues (red and black), animal skin covering (renewed), rest.
The front of the “ntan” drum is carved with female breasts. The body of the drum is decorated with iconographic images and animal emblems.
“Ntan” or “ompe” bands were popular among the Akan peoples of Ghana between the 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.
Good condition with a beautiful patina of age. One wooden stick figure is missing.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.
Object:
Drum
Ethnic group:
Ashanti
Country:
Ghana
Material:
Wood, leather
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
62x48x38 cm
Weight:
6000 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $900.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $95.00 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.
Authentic Ashanti drum with great signs of use and age from Ghana
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.
wood, paint residues (red and black), animal skin covering (renewed), rest.
The front of the “ntan” drum is carved with female breasts. The body of the drum is decorated with iconographic images and animal emblems.
“Ntan” or “ompe” bands were popular among the Akan peoples of Ghana between the 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.
Good condition with a beautiful patina of age. One wooden stick figure is missing.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.
Object:
Drum
Ethnic group:
Ashanti
Country:
Ghana
Material:
Wood, leather
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
62x48x38 cm
Weight:
6000 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $900.00
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%
“Nntan“ or “Ompe“ Drum – Wood, Leather – Ashanti – Ghana
Estimate $1,100-$1,500
Starting Price
$700
Good Bid
Strong Bid
Competitive Bid
Get approved to bid.
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Decorative Tribal Art Sale
May 20, 2026 12:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
Featured
4 days LeftFang Nice large african Mask wood sculpture GABONFeatured
4 days LeftAncestor figure – Wood – Luba – DR CongoFeatured
4 days LeftNice KWELE zoomorphic Gorilla wood Ngon Mask african sculpture GABONFeatured
4 days LeftFigure – Bronze – Fon – BeninFeatured
4 days LeftTextile – Cloth – Shoowa-Kuba – DR Congo 320 cmFeatured
4 days LeftReliquary – Copper, Wood – Mahongwe – Bakota – GabonFeatured
4 days LeftChihongo Mask – Wood – Chokwe – DR CongoFeatured
4 days LeftMask – Wood – Lega – CongoFeatured
4 days LeftMaternity figure – Wood – Yoruba – NigeriaFeatured
4 days LeftPower Figure – Wood. Horn, Copper – Songye – CongoFeatured
4 days LeftFunerary figure – Wood – Ngata – Congo DRC (152 cm)Featured
4 days LeftAFRICAN ART Rare & large 15" mask with handle and two faces LEGA CongoFeatured
4 days LeftEpa Headdress – Wood – Yoruba – NigeriaFeatured
4 days LeftTerracotta Jar – Bariba – Benin – Schädler certificateFeatured
4 days LeftAfrican Art Beautiful anthropomorphic probably Luba maskTOP





























