"Bàtá drum, omele abo? (double drum)"

This drum would be played in music performances of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Drumming in this part of the world is extremely complex and is one of the most important elements of Nigerian traditional and popular music. This style of drumming was incredibly influential in the formation of Afro-Latin and Caribbean musical styles, especially in Cuba.

Bata

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Bàtá drum, omele abo? (double drum)

Alternative Title

Bata.

Accession Number

1519

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

Circa 1965

Period

20th century; 1960s; 1970s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Popular instruments display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

No information recorded.

Description

Other Information

General usage of type: Band instrument.

Technical Description

Wooden concial shell; heads tensioned by leather thongs bound round at waist to further tension the thongs running from head to head. With leather carrying strap and leather strip beater. Head diameters: batter head 190mm, resonant head 110mm. There is evidence of black tuning paste on larger head. .

Provenance

Gift of W. Stevenson, 1981.

Classification

Instrument

Bata

Instrument Family

Percussion