Fair Trade Congolese Slit Drum

 Handcrafted of wood and then stained in the traditional manner in an artisans' cooperative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this style of slit drum, with its anthropomorphic features including a head as the handle, was used by the Northern Yaka.  This style of instrument, denominated mukoku ngoombu by the Yaka, is the main insignia of the diviner and it may only be used by him. The mukoku drum functions in a variety of contexts. It announces the presence of the diviner and it is used as a container for preparing medicines and divinatory substances.  It is also beaten at the funeral of a diviner.  It measures 20" x 6".