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Conical drums; bata; beaters

Set of three bàtá drums, local names (smallest to largest): omele'ako, omele'abo and abigbeyin omele, double membrane conical drums. The shells are of omo wood (Cordia milleni). Both ends of each drum have two antelope hide skins lapped over a concealed hoop. The upper skin is cut away to leave an outer ring. Two of the top heads of each drum have a small black wax tuning patch at the centre. Antelope hide lacing stitched through the skins links both heads of each drum. It is wound around the lower ends of the shell, concealing the lacing of the membranes towards the distal end. A printed cotton carrying strap bears the legend: ROYAL EAGLE. With two beaters of antelope hide: M13a-1992 length: 279mm, M13b-1992 length: 265mm.

  • Culture:Yoruba
  • Period:
  • Materials:vegetable fibre, skin, textile, leather, resin, textile, fur, hide, wood
  • Specific materials/techniques:
  • Decorative elements:
  • Inscriptions:
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:211.252.2 Sets of double-skin conical drums
  • Repository:Horniman Museum and Gardens
  • Measurements:overall: 305 x 290 x 280 mm