Yaka-Suku Slit Drum

Mukoku

Congo

circa 1980

Collected by naturalist and philanthropist Eli Weiss in the 1980's.

15” tall

Good Condition

Good Sound 

Comes with Drum Stick

During rites of initiation of a diviner, a chorus of slit-gongs will be sounded as the initiate is led through a series of activities that transform her from an ordinary human to a spiritual agent. Also in divination sessions with a family group or an individual, the diviner will strike the gong with intricate rhythms while calling upon spiritual powers or punctuate statements with a single sharp strike upon the instrument.

Often illness and unexplained deaths are believed to be caused by offended ancestors or neglected deities. The sorcerer identifies the cause of the problem and prescribes a remedy. The wooden mukoku - slit drum is the symbol of the sorcerer but is also used as the sorcerer´s seat and as a container in which to prepare medicines.

Excellent Service with FREE & FAST SHIPPING

Great Earth LLC

Carbondale, Colorado

Representing the Eli Weiss Collection of African Art.  A lifetime of travel, passion, activism, philanthropy and genuine humanity lead to the accumulation of these wonderful objects spanning a great breadth of the African continent. A vast collection of Significant works of Art & ‘Of Culture’ craft works made to be Sold. I am proud to share this extraordinary group of Artworks. 

Steven is an Artist, Educator and Ethnographic Art Dealer with an excellent reputation and 25 years of professional experience.

Please message me with any concerns or questions.