Hollowed-log wooden drums with animal-hide membranes of the Bambara people of Mali date to the 18th century, central percussion for communal ceremonies, assemblies and dances. Hollow interiors acted as spirit-passageways; drum-beats summoned ancestral presences. Circular bases referenced the earth, establishing these as core Bambara ritual instruments.H 37cm (14.57 in); Dia(Base) 16.5cm (6.50 in); Wt 856g (1.89 lb)

Hotspot Auctions-Condition & Disclaimer
By registering to bid, placing a bid, or purchasing any item from Hotspot Auctions ("Auction House"), the bidder ("Bidder" or "Buyer") agrees to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions. These Terms & Conditions constitute a legally binding contract.
1. Condition, Authenticity & Item Descriptions
All property is sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with all faults, and without any warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of authenticity, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, age, attribution, provenance, condition, or value.
Descriptions, photographs, statements, and condition reports??whether written or oral??are provided solely as the opinion of the consignor or Auction House and shall not be interpreted as fact. The Auction House is not an expert in all categories and relies on information provided by consignors.
Bidders are strongly encouraged to:
- Inspect items in person
- Request additional photos or information
- Conduct independent research
Bidding signifies full acceptance of the item's condition and description. No refunds, returns, exchanges, or cancellations will be accepted for any reason.
The Auction House shall not be liable for errors or omissions in descriptions or for any disputes regarding authenticity.
2. Bidding & Reserves
The auctioneer has full discretion to:
- Determine the opening bid
- Reject any bid
- Withdraw any lot
- Resolve any dispute
All lots may carry a confidential reserve. The auctioneer may bid on behalf of the consignor to meet the reserve.
3. Registration & Bidder Approval
Bidder registration is subject to approval at the sole discretion of the Auction House. We may require:
- Additional identification
- A deposit
- A bank letter of guarantee
- A wire transfer for high-value lots
We do not guarantee approval for bidders who register within 24 hours of the sale. The Auction House is not responsible for:
- Missed bids
- Internet delays
- Platform errors
- Clerking issues
- Technical malfunctions
4. Absentee & Phone Bidding
Absentee and phone bids must be submitted by 5 PM the day before the auction.
Submitting a bid authorizes the auctioneer to open bidding at one-half of the low estimate. The Auction House is not liable for:
- Missed phone calls
- Dropped connections
- Failure to execute absentee bids
5. Bidding Increments
We do not accept "cut bids" (bids below the standard increment).
If your absentee bid falls between increments, the auctioneer may skip it.
6. Finality of Sale
Once the auctioneer declares a lot SOLD, the sale is final and binding. Bidding cannot be reopened.
7. Payment Terms
Payment is due immediately and must be received within five (5) business days.
Accepted payment methods:
- Cash
- Wire transfer
- Approved check
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
When you registered to our auction, you agreed and authorize us to charge your card provided
in your account. A 5% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.
First-time buyers and all international buyers must pay by wire transfer.
If payment is not received within 3 days, the credit card used for registration may be charged automatically.
8. Non-Payment & Remedies
If the Buyer fails to pay in full:
- The sale may be canceled
- The item may be reoffered
- The Buyer may be banned from future auctions
- Collection actions may be taken
The Buyer is responsible for:
- Collection fees
- Attorney fees
- Interest
- Storage fees
9. Sales Tax
New York State sales tax applies unless a valid resale certificate is provided before purchase. International buyers are responsible for all duties, tariffs, and import taxes.
10. Shipping & Release of Property
Shipping is handled by:
- Hotspot Auctions (in-house)
- Approved third-party shippers
All shipping is at the sole risk of the Buyer.
The Auction House is not liable for:
- Loss
- Damage
- Delays
- Handling errors
Property will not be released without written authorization from the Buyer.
11. Storage Fees & Abandonment
Items not picked up within 10 business days will incur a storage fee of $15 per day, per item. Items left beyond 45 days may be:
- Resold on behalf of the Buyer
- Subject to a 20% seller's commission
- Subject to storage and handling deductions
Net proceeds will be mailed to the Buyer as full settlement.
12. Export, Permits & Restricted Materials
The Buyer is solely responsible for obtaining:
- Export permits
- Import permits
- CITES documentation
- Firearm permits
- Any other required licenses
The inability to obtain permits does not relieve the Buyer of payment obligations.
13. Jewelry, Watches & Gemstones
The Auction House makes no guarantees regarding:
- Gemstone treatments
- Natural vs. synthetic materials
- Grading accuracy
- Metal content
- Watch functionality
All descriptions are opinions only.
14. Artwork & Paintings
The Auction House makes no warranties regarding:
- Authenticity
- Attribution
- Condition
- Restoration
- Frames
15. Shipping Timeframe
Shipping may take 7 to 30 days after payment is confirmed.
16. Changes to Terms
The Auction House may update these Terms & Conditions at any time without notice. Continued bidding constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.