Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya" - Luba - DR Congo
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Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya", a Luba wooden drum from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to 1900–1920, authentic/original, in good condition, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire; dimensions: height 33 cm, max width 32 cm.
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Description from the seller
Drum "ditumba dya ndanya" Luba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 33 cm
Maximum width: 32 cm
Period: 1900–20
Materials: light and dense wood, kasbya antelope skin, rubber, hard wood fastenings
Provenance: ex. Pieter De Schutter collection - Belgium; ex. Danny De Waele collection - Belgium
Luba drum of the yuca type, traditionally played solo or in a trio, accompanied by a likembe. The two other drums in the ensemble are named ditumba dya musompola and ditumba dya mutumbwe (see the penultimate photo, based on an image from MRAC).
A prestige instrument, it was used at the Luba court and during ritual dances, investitures and funerals of dignitaries. The skin is reinforced with a layer of rubber called bulundu, applied to stabilize and soften the timbre. The instrument remains fully sonorous.
The internal mechanism produced a buzzing timbre thanks to a membrane made from the ndanya spider cocoon. A small horn was inserted into the bamboo mirliton, drawing this spider membrane with it. It is this that created that very particular, almost unreal sound. I was lucky to hear an old recording of one on the Lubanation site, now removed.
The protruding part, sculpted in the shape of a mask and pierced to allow a cord to pass, is called paketo.
The fastenings are entirely in hard wood, with no metal nails, in keeping with ancient Luba techniques.
Many tourist reproductions exist, often made more quickly and with less carefully chosen materials. This drum is not one of them: it is an old, complete and authentic instrument.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.
Drum "ditumba dya ndanya" Luba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 33 cm
Maximum width: 32 cm
Period: 1900–20
Materials: light and dense wood, kasbya antelope skin, rubber, hard wood fastenings
Provenance: ex. Pieter De Schutter collection - Belgium; ex. Danny De Waele collection - Belgium
Luba drum of the yuca type, traditionally played solo or in a trio, accompanied by a likembe. The two other drums in the ensemble are named ditumba dya musompola and ditumba dya mutumbwe (see the penultimate photo, based on an image from MRAC).
A prestige instrument, it was used at the Luba court and during ritual dances, investitures and funerals of dignitaries. The skin is reinforced with a layer of rubber called bulundu, applied to stabilize and soften the timbre. The instrument remains fully sonorous.
The internal mechanism produced a buzzing timbre thanks to a membrane made from the ndanya spider cocoon. A small horn was inserted into the bamboo mirliton, drawing this spider membrane with it. It is this that created that very particular, almost unreal sound. I was lucky to hear an old recording of one on the Lubanation site, now removed.
The protruding part, sculpted in the shape of a mask and pierced to allow a cord to pass, is called paketo.
The fastenings are entirely in hard wood, with no metal nails, in keeping with ancient Luba techniques.
Many tourist reproductions exist, often made more quickly and with less carefully chosen materials. This drum is not one of them: it is an old, complete and authentic instrument.
Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Percussion "ditumba dya ndanya"
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
