Double headed Drum (Barotseland, present-day Zambia and Angola)

This double-headed membranophone belongs to the historical Barotseland region, encompassing parts of present-day western Zambia and neighbouring Angola. Its waisted wooden body and overall proportions recall the Mukupiela drum, but an important constructional feature distinguishes this example: instead of the four prominent handles characteristic of the Mukupiela, it has four small, integrally carved and perforated wooden projections around the central body. These serve as attachment points for a carrying cord, allowing the instrument to be suspended horizontally in front of the performer's torso.

Both ends of the body are fitted with skin membranes, and the instrument incorporates a mirliton system that adds a characteristic buzzing resonance to its sound. The wooden body is elaborately decorated with incised geometric patterns, including intersecting lines, hatching and repeated triangular motifs. The combination of its distinctive suspension arrangement, double-headed construction and mirliton device makes this drum a particularly interesting variation within the regional tradition of hourglass-shaped drums.