Drum – Wood, Leather – Baga – Guinea

Authentic Baga drum with great signs of use and age from the Manfred Schäfer collection

Drums are among the most important art forms in Africa, used both as a musical instrument and as a work of sculpture significant in many ceremonial functions, including dance, rituals, story-telling and communication of messages.

Owned and played by members of the Baga women’s association known as A-Tekan (ah-te-khan), this drum, called a-ndef (ah-endeaf), demonstrated female power. The initiation into such institutions of female solidarity and cohesion was generally restricted to women who had bore children. The drum was played at annual week-long initiation ceremonies for new members, as well as at the funerals of members and the marriages of members’ daughters.

Good condition with a beautiful patina of age.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.