Cochiti Pueblo Painted Drum [SOLD]

The Spaniards introduced the two-headed drum used by the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico over 400 years ago. It is not known if there was an earlier native type of clay or wood drum previous to this. The drum is used for ceremonies, rarely for other purposes.

The two-headed pueblo drum is made from a fallen cottonwood or aspen trunk; a section is cut and hollowed out with a knife, and both ends are then covered with skin. Skins are cut in a circle with a scalloped edge, soaked overnight, and then secured to the hollowed log. Points of the scallop are pierced with an awl, laced together, and a loop handle of rawhide or thongs is attached on one side. It is traditional to then partially paint the drum.

This Cochiti Pueblo Painted Drum has been painted with white bands at either end and outlined with blue framing lines with what appears to be mineral paint. Black paint has been applied to the head skins of both heads. A single loop handle was added so the drum could be held while being used. Overall, the drum is in very good condition. A drumbeater in included.

Provenance: From the collection of Alexander E. Anthony, Jr.

Recommended Reading: Rain: Native Expressions from the American Southwest by Ann Marshall