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Collections

Drum15th century

Not on view
Large engraved metal bowl with olive-green and copper patina, decorated with geometric and floral motifs, viewed from above at an angle
Hammered metal bowl with dark patina, wide rim pierced with small holes, and lower body decorated with engraved geometric and interlacing medallion patterns on a faceted form.
Dark bronze bowl with wide flaring rim, densely engraved with arabesques, a central rosette medallion, and bands of geometric interlace; a star pattern is visible on the flat base. A partial light-colored membrane with metal tacks is attached around the rim.
Domed metal helmet with dark patinated surface, covered in densely engraved geometric and floral patterns including a central medallion with rosette; small holes along the upper rim; nasal bar opening at front.
Conical drum with dark metal body densely engraved with scrolling floral motifs and a central medallion, topped with a pale animal-skin drumhead secured by metal pins around the rim.

Unknown, Drum, 15th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Madina Collection of Islamic Art, gift of Camilla Chandler Frost, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

Title
Drum
Place Made
Syria or Egypt
Date Made
15th century
Medium
Brass, originally inlaid with silver
Dimensions
Height: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); Diameter: 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
Credit Line
The Madina Collection of Islamic Art, gift of Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number
M.2002.1.574
Classification
Metal
Collecting Area
Art of the Middle East: Islamic
Curatorial Notes

Military bands were an essential feature of many medieval Muslim armies. In addition to playing in ceremonial processions, they also accompanied soldiers in combat, helping to shape the psychology of the battlefield. Blaring horns, the crash of cymbals, and the rhythmic beat of drums like this one could help intensify a skirmish, emboldening soldiers or lethally distracting the enemy with a surprise uproar.

Selected Bibliography
  • Atil, Esin. Renaissance of Islam: Art of the Mamluks. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1981.

  • Lo Terrenal y lo Divino: Arte Islámico siglos VII al XIX Colección del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural La Moneda, 2015.

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