The Chokwe drum is a double-headed, wood sculpture with two playable heads, three handles and the umbilical air hole. The abstract design accentuates the figurative faces. This is a very attractive piece. Measurements are: 44 cm high; 23 cm in diameter. "The Chokwe and their neighbors refer to ceremonies in general as 'playing the drum'. Hourglass-shaped drums like this one were reserved for performances associated with chiefs and although they could be used at any event, they were identified with Mukanda, the men's initiation society. The face represents Mwana wa Pwo, a masquerade character representing a young woman who appears in the communities during men's initiations to dance or 'play' with the women." From A celebration of African Music, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, Los Angeles.