Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya" - Luba - DR Congo
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Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya", a Luba membranophone from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to 1900–1920, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire, in excellent condition and with original authenticity.
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Description from the seller
Luba membranophone percussion instrument
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 33 cm
Maximum width: 32 cm
Period: 1900–1920
Materials: lightweight and dense wood, antelope skin 'kasbya', rubber, hard wood nails
Provenance: Former Pieter De Schutter collection - Belgium; former Danny De Waele collection - Belgium
Luba membranophone of the 'yuca' type, played by groups of three (or solo) and accompanied by a likembe (sanza). The names of the two other drums are 'ditumba dya musompola' and 'ditumba dya mutumbwe'. (the penultimate photo shows the three together – photo from 'africamuseum.be' MRAC – Belgium).
This drum was played at the Luba court as well as during ritual dances, at the investiture and funerals of high-ranking Baluba (last photo).
Rubber was spread over the skin to muffle and reinforce it. This is what is called the ' bulundu '. (see 6th photo)
In its present state, it still sounds very good.
The name 'ndanya' comes from the spider web that closed the calabash cylinder and traverses the drum wall. This cylinder was then entirely covered with a white membrane made from the spider 'ntanda nkumbidi' cocoon, also called 'ndanya'. The sound of this drum is very distinctive. It could be described as 'buzzing' in English.
This membrane would literally inflate and breathe. Even under the simple pressure of a finger on the drum skin. As soon as the pressure was released, it caused an inward suction. Another smaller membrane was placed in this cone, made from a small piece of Kasbya antelope horn. The part that emerges from this in the form of a mask where a cord can pass is called the 'paketo'.
It is important to note that there are absolutely no metal nails. They are much more likely nails made from African acacia thorns as was the case for Luba drums before Europeans arrived in the Congo (or of very hard wood).
Many reproductions have been made and many drums have been manufactured for tourists with, of course, fewer hours of work than such a piece requires. Do not confuse this with one of those.
Delivery via Bpost
Luba membranophone percussion instrument
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 33 cm
Maximum width: 32 cm
Period: 1900–1920
Materials: lightweight and dense wood, antelope skin 'kasbya', rubber, hard wood nails
Provenance: Former Pieter De Schutter collection - Belgium; former Danny De Waele collection - Belgium
Luba membranophone of the 'yuca' type, played by groups of three (or solo) and accompanied by a likembe (sanza). The names of the two other drums are 'ditumba dya musompola' and 'ditumba dya mutumbwe'. (the penultimate photo shows the three together – photo from 'africamuseum.be' MRAC – Belgium).
This drum was played at the Luba court as well as during ritual dances, at the investiture and funerals of high-ranking Baluba (last photo).
Rubber was spread over the skin to muffle and reinforce it. This is what is called the ' bulundu '. (see 6th photo)
In its present state, it still sounds very good.
The name 'ndanya' comes from the spider web that closed the calabash cylinder and traverses the drum wall. This cylinder was then entirely covered with a white membrane made from the spider 'ntanda nkumbidi' cocoon, also called 'ndanya'. The sound of this drum is very distinctive. It could be described as 'buzzing' in English.
This membrane would literally inflate and breathe. Even under the simple pressure of a finger on the drum skin. As soon as the pressure was released, it caused an inward suction. Another smaller membrane was placed in this cone, made from a small piece of Kasbya antelope horn. The part that emerges from this in the form of a mask where a cord can pass is called the 'paketo'.
It is important to note that there are absolutely no metal nails. They are much more likely nails made from African acacia thorns as was the case for Luba drums before Europeans arrived in the Congo (or of very hard wood).
Many reproductions have been made and many drums have been manufactured for tourists with, of course, fewer hours of work than such a piece requires. Do not confuse this with one of those.
Delivery via Bpost
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya"
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Authenticity
Original/official
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