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Nkoko

This is a small slit drum that is both a symbol and divination implement, consisting of a tubular piece of wood with a narrow slit and a carved human head that usually represents the diviner. This example has a carved head painted with red ochre and white kaolin, and the slit still has heavy remains of kaolin, as these drums are also used as containers in the preparation of medicines and divinatory substances.

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  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:111.243 Slit drums
  • Repository:Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
  • Measurements:Height: 315mm; Width: 63mm