Bote Drum

The bote is a bowl shaped drum with one drumskin played with a stick. The drumskin is a hide stretched over the top and tensioned by hide thongs. The bote is often played alongside the balangi, and both are commonly associated with Susu musicians, though are found across Sierra Leone. This is example is thought to be Temne, or Limba, and associated with funerary rituals. The Sierra Leone National Museum records note that when a member of the Kofon Society dies, other members of their Society beat the drum to inform fellow members of his death. After the burial ceremony the beating of the drum is stopped.

Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Bote Drum
  • Materials: Wood, Leather, animal skin
  • Culture Group: Temne, Limba
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1970
  • Associated Places: Kabari, Bombali District (Place collected)
  • Associated People: Yapo Sara of Kabari (Previous owner); Pa Sesay (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1970.12.01

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