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Frame drum and mallet
Native American
19th century
Object Place: United States, Possibly Western Plains region
Medium/Technique
Wood, animal skin
Dimensions
Height 7.3 cm, diameter 46.2 cm (Height 2 7/8 in., diameter 18 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2245a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Membranophones
DescriptionShallow shell constructed of thin machine-cut wood with lapped seam fastened together with iron nails. Thick skin head attached to lower edge of shell with iron nails. Two twisted cotton cords strung through holes in side and crisscrossing back. Polychrome painted decoration on head (blue, red, green, and black), comprised of large crude bird at center with indecipherable shape below, and three red and blue semi-circles and three blue crosses around perimeter. Mallet constructed of single carved piece of heavy hardwood with spherical head.
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (b. 1858 - d. 1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (b. 1858 - d. 1922), Boston; 1916, gift of William Lindsey to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)