Chokwe hourglass drum (Mukupela) / Angola – Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Mukupela (plural Mikupela) is a finely carved hourglass drum of the Chokwe, whose traditional homeland extends across northeastern Angola and the adjacent regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Distinguished by its elegant proportions and elaborate incised decoration, the Mukupela occupies an important place within Chokwe musical and court traditions. Historical photographs document its use in the ceremonial drum ensemble of Chokwe chiefs, where it was performed together with other drums and the double bell (Lupembe).

According to Marie-Louise Bastin, the Mukupela originally served as one of the insignia of powerful chiefs and was sounded on important occasions, including the announcement of war. In more recent times it has continued as a dance drum performed while seated. The drum is carved from a single piece of resonant hardwood and is richly ornamented with geometric engraving, while many examples display carved human faces closely related to the distinctive sculptural style of Chokwe masks and other court art.

One of the most remarkable features of the Mukupela is the resonating device inserted into the opening at the narrow waist of the drum. A slightly conical tube made from the neck of a calabash is fitted into this aperture and covered internally with the membrane of a spider's egg sac (lundandji). This membrane vibrates sympathetically when the drumheads are struck, producing a characteristic buzzing resonance that enriches the instrument's tone. Bastin describes this construction as a distinctive feature of Chokwe drum making.

The historical photograph of the court ensemble of Chief Muhaku (1935) illustrates the Mukupela in its ceremonial context, confirming its importance within Chokwe court music as both a musical instrument and an emblem of chiefly authority.