Kettledrum

Sudanese kettle drum, 1898 (c); reputedly taken from the Dervishes at the Battle of Omdurman, 2nd Sudan War. The object is referred to as a Nihas/Nahas, an object of great importance in Sudanese culture, the ownership of a Nihas is a mark of respect and social standing. heavy beaten copper shell; four pairs of bronze suspension rings around rim, two pairs missing, and below are 52 bronze pegs to secure head and on either side are to large suspension rings; tanned shave leather head, possibly cowskin, perforated around side to fit over pegs; two bound leather handles on either side; originally a leather thong was wound through numerous holes in the side.