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 is decorated with a string of cowrie shells strung around the top, and five cloth flaps with a patchwork geometric patterns. Bote drums are commonly associated with Susu musicians, though are found across Sierra Leone. The Glasgow Museum catalogue notes this one is possibly Mende in origin.

Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Bote Drum
  • Materials: Wood, Leather, animal skin, Bone, ivory, tooth, Textile
  • Culture Group: Soso, Mende
  • Dimensions: 270mm x 310mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1960
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
  • Museum: Glasgow Museums
  • Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.ef

Related Objects

Fifaru Drum

Musical instruments

Sangbei Drum

Musical instruments

Rattle Drum

Musical instruments

Sangbori Drum

Musical instruments

Kele

Musical instruments