Makonde Wood Slit Drum, Based

Before the telephone, there was the drum. Slit drums are struck along their openings to produce resonant tones, and they have long accompanied dance, ceremony and communication.

This one comes from the Makonde peoples of Tanzania, late 19th or early 20th century, hollowed from a single section of log. It runs about forty-three inches, a long rounded body with rectangular slots cut into the top. One end extends into a stout handle. The other is carved as an animal head, its open mouth lined with zigzag teeth. The honey-brown wood is scraped, scratched and softened at the edges from long use.

It has plenty left to say. Strike up a conversation.