E1087: Afro-Caribbean Palos Drum; Chivita

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1087

Classification Category:

6:Tools & Equipment for Communication ➞ Musical T&E ➞ drum

Marks/Labels:

None

Materials:

botanical ➔ wood ➔ tree trunk
animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ cow

Dimensions:

109cm H

Provenance of Object:

These drums were commissioned by Victor Hernandez; sang during field work for senior project in 2012. He gifted them to Luther on May 9, 2013, and then accessioned into the Luther College ethnographic collection on April 23, 2014.

Production Date:

2012

Use/Function:

Key part of "palo" music, the most common music in "fiestas" in Dominican folk religion La Veintiuna División. Ensembles consist of three palo drums (smaller drum being called "Chivita", while the large drum is called "Palo Mayor") and a few other instruments. Musicians performed saint-themed songs.

Source Locality:

Dominican Republic, around the Santiago City area.

Acquisition Date:

May 9 2013

Description:

Tall "chivita" drum used to make "palo" music of Dominican folk religion, La Veintiuna División Drum made of tree trunk with a animal hide drum-head on one end.

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