IDNO

N.107522.MF

Description

“Drummers at a Farafara funeral. When an old man dies, this is an occasion for general merriment - for has he not lived a full life? Drummers are summoned to keep the people in good spirits. These drums consist of a single piece of wood, hollow and hour-glass shaped. The membranes, made of animal skins are sewn to fit tightly and are held together by long strips. By pressing or relaxing pressure on the strings the pitch is controlled.” [Fortes’ caption on P.137274.MF]

“The drummers at work.” [Fortes' Annotation on P.135477.MF]

Two drummers play in the centre of a group of people. They stand with their backs to the camera, each with a drum under their left arm. To the left is a house, partially cropped by the left frame, decorated with hanging gourds, a sword or knife, whisks, etc. Part of funeral ceremony. [IG 7/8/2008]

Place

W Africa; Ghana; Upper East region [Gold Coast; Northern Territories]

Cultural Affliation

Named Person

Photographer

Fortes, Meyer

Collector / Expedition

Fortes, Meyer

Date

April 1937

Collection Name

Fortes Collection

Source

Drucker-Brown, Susan

Format

Film Negative Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

N.106678.MF - N.108070.MF were kept in a brown cardboard box numbered C580/.

N.107516.MF - N.107551.MF were kept in brown film roll, 30/321/2, frames 1 - 36, now numbered C580/25.

This catalogue record has been updated with the support of the Getty Grant Program Two. [Imogen Gunn 7/8/2008]