Tabulay Drum

A tabulay or thabule drum. The tabulay is a bowl shaped, laced drum with one skin. It is beaten by two people hitting it in turn with ropes ending in leather pouches filled with stones. The tabulay is used to call people to meetings or prayers. According to Sierra Leone National Museum records, this example is made from a hollowed-out log from a Mango tree.

Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Tabulay Drum
• Materials: Wood, Leather, animal skin
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 1350mm (H)
• Production Date: 1964
• Associated Places: King Tom, Freetown
• Associated People: Teli Kolle Bangura
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1965.02.01

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