Kalangu (drum)

About This Item

The kalangu is a type of hourglass-shaped pressure drum, called by different names and used by many communities in Nigeria. It has been referred to as a “talking drum,” as the sound of the drum can be interpreted to mimic a human voice. 

Date
1960s
Geography
Hausa people, Nigeria, Africa
Medium
leather
hide
cloth
wood
gourd
Context

Research in the Global Museum’s archives show that most of the Africa collection comes from West
Africa, yet the variety of objects here originated from almost every region in the continent,
characterizing the itinerant movements people have between their neighboring communities. Materials
and designs reflect their particular source communities and show evidence of cultural exchange and
trade routes. On a deeper level, ceremony intermingles with daily life. There is balance between the
living and the dead, where deceased loved ones or powerful spirits are embodied with human and/or
animal characteristics to protect, soothe, or guide the living.

Height
14.75 in
Width
8 in
Depth
8 in
Copyright
Copyright status unknown. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing, and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
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