Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Slit Drum
(Ancient Americas )
Drums were among the most important of instruments played during ritual performances, warfare, and state pageants such as formal visits and rites of enthronement. Drums directed warriors on the battlefield, announced the beginning of ceremonial events, and provided rhythm for processions and dances. Drums of many varieties are pictured in Mesoamerican art, and a few have survived such as this large, wooden slit-drum (or tunkul, in Yucatec Mayan). Other artworks and ethnohistoric information indicate that the larger drums often were played by more than one musician.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Stendahl Galleries, Los Angeles; purchased by John G. Bourne, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1944; given to Walters Art Museum, 2013.
Geographies
Mexico, Campeche (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H of drum: 10 7/16 x L: 3 7/16 x W: 11 15/16 in. (26.5 x 8.8 x 30.4 cm);
L of drumstick A: 21 7/16 x Diam: 1 3/4 in. (54.4 x 4.5 cm);
L of drumstick B: 21 3/16 x Diam: 1 15/16 in. (53.8 x 5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John G. Bourne, 2013
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
2009.20.193