Object Name: Drum
Place of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
Cultural Group: Baule peoples
Materials Used: Wood, hide, pigment
Dimensions: L: 33.0 cm, H: 62.2 cm, D: 14.6 cm (L: 12.9 in, H: 24.4 in, D: 5.7 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Helen and Dr. Robert Kuhn. X85.464

This drum portrays a monkey and may be connected with Mbra, a spirit that is instrumental to one form of trance divination. Mbra provides protection, ensures good health, and helps people to succeed in hunting and farming.

Source: DjeDje, J. C. (1999). “Turn Up the Volume! A Celebration of African Music”, Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. page 323