Source [1,2,4]: drummuseum.com
Source [3]: @africamuseumbe (music.africamuseum.be)
Source [5]: @mapatamusic on YouTube
Source [6]: @smithsonian_africanart (www.si.edu/object/archives/components/sova-eepa-1973-001-ref22279?destination=object/archives/components/sova-eepa-1973-001-ref21947)
Source notes [3]: “The slit drum is an idiophone drum, made from a hollowed piece of wood in which a narrow groove serves as a sound opening. The slit drum is struck with a stick along both sides of the narrow groove, which produces two different pitches…J.S. Laurenty, the organologist at the KMMA (1965 – 1991) described the exceptionally beautiful form of this slit drum as a “tulip”. It is found exclusively in the Uele (Mangbetu, Zande and Mamvu) under several names. The artistry with which this slit drum is cut proves once again that for some tribes the creative element is paramount…As in other regions of the Congo, this slit drum is also played in larger ensembles together with other instruments, as a percussion instrument during dances and festivals.”
Source notes [6]: “”Here the orchestra, including conical skin drums, large flat slit drum (nemandru), slit drums standing on legs or pads (also called talking drums), and a double iron bell (nengbongbo), plays while men and women perform dances and songs, part of all Mangbetu court music.” [Schildkrout E., Keim C., 1990: African Reflections, University of Washington Press].”
