Drum c. 1950

pigment, wood

3d sculpting

toned paper

pigment

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

stoneware

sculpting

wood

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

musical-instrument

watercolor

This Akan drum, dating from around 1950, is a powerful example of African art. The carved wooden figure is seated, holding a large drum aloft, symbolizing the importance of music and ritual in Akan culture. The drum's surface is intricately decorated with geometric patterns and the figure’s face and body are rendered in a stylized yet expressive way. This striking piece highlights the cultural significance of drums in West African society and provides insight into the rich visual traditions of the Akan people.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Akan communities in southern Ghana have a tradition in which popular bands compete in instrumental, choral, and dance performances. The master drum, sometimes identified as the “mother of the group,” is the musical and visual focal point of each band. The gesture of the woman, her finger pointing to her eye, may refer to the proverb, “If you can hear, can you not also see'”—emphasizing the importance of using all the senses. Or it may be a warning to the other bands: “Wait and see who is going to win.”