Bote Drum

A bowl-shaped drum, commonly know as a bote. It has a wooden circular base, with hide stretched over the top, held in place by hide thongs. The bote has two handles. Bote drums are commonly associated with Susu musicians, though are found across Sierra Leone. This example may also be a tabulay, or thabule in Temne, used to call people to meetings, or prayers.

Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Bote Drum
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre, Leather, animal skin
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 260mm [H] x 470mm [D]
  • Production Date: Pre 1953
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: G. Smyly; P. Crampton Smyly
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1953.25.18

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