Nahas Copper Kettle Drum (Sudan)
The nahas, a copper kettle drum covered with animal skin, represents one of the most important symbols of political authority in the history of Sudan and was closely connected with leadership, military organization, and the public representation of power.
Historical sources indicate that copper kettle drums were introduced into Sudan through contacts with Egypt and the Mamluk period. During the Funj Sultanate and later in the Sultanate of Darfur, the possession of a nahas became an exclusive privilege reserved for rulers and high-ranking officials. Ownership of such an instrument conferred prestige and served as a visible sign of sovereignty.
Each tribe and ruling family maintained its own set of ceremonial drums. Their functions extended far beyond music. Drum signals announced assemblies, military campaigns, official meetings, the death of influential individuals, and important public ceremonies. Specific rhythmic patterns conveyed particular messages and could be immediately recognized within the community.
From an organological perspective, the instrument belongs to the family of kettle drums. The resonator was traditionally formed from hammered copper and covered with leather obtained from cattle, camels, or antelope.
The historical importance of the nahas lies primarily in its function as an emblem of political authority. In Sudanese history, the drum became one of the most recognizable symbols of rulership and occupied a position comparable to other ceremonial insignia of state.
Source
"The copper war drums (nahas) were the prerogative of the sultan, the symbol of his sovereignty, comparable to the crown in England; and lesser chiefs were allowed by the sultan to have their smaller war-drums, of which, no doubt, they were very proud and which they jealously kept to themselves."
MacMichael, H. A.: A History of the Arabs in the Sudan.
Arkell, A. J.:
History of the Sudan. 1966.
Brincard, M. T.:
Sounding Forms – African Musical Instruments. 1989.
MacMichael, H. A.:
A History of the Arabs in the Sudan.
O'Fahey, R. S.:
State and Society in Dar Fur. 1980.
O'Fahey, R. S., Spaulding, J. L.:
Kingdoms of the Sudan. 1974.
Robinson, Arthur E.:
Sudan Drums: Notes on the Sketches and Notes of Bazumi Effendi. 1931.
