Central African Buffalo Slit Drum

This large animal sculpture is actually a traditional African slit drum, a percussive instrument commonly carved from a single block of wood. Comprised of a hollow resonance chamber with a narrow opening at one side, the drum is played by striking near the edge of the slit with a mallet or hand.

This example is crafted in a zoomorphic style common to Central Africa, such as in the Lobala and Yangere cultures. The wooden drum is carved by hand to the form of a water buffalo, with four curved legs, a narrow tail, and a small head with two short horns. The slit opening runs along the creature's back, encircled by an incised border of diamonds and geometric motifs.