E1088: Afro-Caribbean Palos Drum; Palo Mayor

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1088

Classification Category:

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

Materials:

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

Dimensions:

107cm H

Provenance of Object:

These drum swere comissioned by Victor Hernandez-sang during field work for senior project in 2012. He gifted them to Luther College 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 de misterios" for a variety of religious purpose, in Dominican folk religion La Veintivna División. Ensembles consist of 3 or 2 palo drums (smaller drum is called "Chivita" and larger drum is called "Palo Mayor") and few other instruments. Musicians performed saint-themed songs.

Source Locality:

Dominican Republic, around the Santiago City area.

Acquisition Date:

May 9 2013

Description:

Tall "Palo Mayor: drum used to make "palo" music of Dominican folk religion, La Veintivna División. Drum made of tree trunk with animal hide drum-head across one end.

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