Object number
GGC95
Title
Two Dark Metal Drums
Description
Two dark metal semi-circular drums in brass or copper, with tan-coloured skins. Riveted joints to metal parts, with visible tool marks where it has been beaten to shape. The following is etched in arabic on one of the drums:
Alhaaj Hasan ibn Saalih I
waAllah Amin ibn Asultaan Ahmed-ie
Alhaaj, translates as 'pilgrim', meaning someone who has performed the Hajj, which is the trip to Mecca asked of Muslims. Hasan ibn Saalih-i, is a name. The second line translates as By Allah Amin son of Sultan Ahmed. It is possible that the first name may refer to the maker of the drum or drummer, while the son of Sultan Ahmed may be the owner of the drum. This suggests that the drum would have been used in a ‘battalion’ sponsored by the Sultan Ahmed. However, we have not been able to identify who Sultan Ahmad is. Owning a drum is a sign of status which may explain why the owners name is on it.
Nihass/nihas/nehas is a term used for Sudanese kettle drums, though they are usually slightly larger than these ones. Drums are used for formal ceremonies and are signs of power and sovereignty. During the wars they would have been used in battle and to rally troops.
Dimensions
- Diameter: Drum 1 500 mm
- Depth: 450 mm
- Diameter: Drum 2 350 mm
- Depth: 350 mm