Amhara Leather Drum, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has its church drums, and its processions, and a lot of noise made in good faith.

This Amhara drum, of wood and leather, dates to the late 19th or early 20th century and stands two feet tall. A thick hide head is pulled down over the top and around the shoulder, its edge cut with a row of small leaf-shaped slits. Below, an open lattice of leather thongs wraps the barrel body, crossing over narrow vertical strips of wood.

The hide has darkened to deep reddish brown, with stiffened, curling edges and areas of wear. Drums matter in Ethiopian life. Strike it softly, if you must.