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Drum

Arts of the Americas

CULTURE Plains
MEDIUM Hide, buffalo horn, horsehair, dyed owl feathers, stroud wool cloth, small eagle feathers, pigment, metal nails
DATES early nineteenth century
DIMENSIONS 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 x 19 11/16 in. (5 x 5 x 50 cm)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 43.201.135
CREDIT LINE Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks
PROVENANCE Prior to 1936, provenance not yet documented; before 1936, acquired by Henry Harlow Brooks of New York, NY; by 1943, acquired from the estate of Henry Harlow Brooks by an anonymous donor; October 26,1943, gift of an anonymous donor to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Northern Plains area. The drum has a red painted patch glued onto drumhead. The design is a buffalo with a zigzag line around it but no power lines emanating directly from the buffalo. There are red areas of pigment on drumhead. Wool and hide fringe dangles from drum. Remnants of silk ribbons are attached with nails along the edge. It has a knot in the hide ties in the middle back. This was possibly made as a showpiece as would have been very awkward to hold and play. This is a drum that would have ceremonial significance These are specialized.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
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