Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

This snare drum was made by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, around 1847-1864. It has a light brown shell, two red-painted hoops, two skin heads, 10 metal hooks laced with rope through leather ears used to tighten the hoops, and a gut snare.
Description

This snare drum was made by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, around 1847-1864. It has a light brown shell, two red-painted hoops, two skin heads, 10 metal hooks laced with rope through leather ears used to tighten the hoops, and a gut snare. The paper label inside the shell is inscribed:

[FIRTH] POND & CO.,
[ ]ers, Manufacturers and Dealers in
[Instru]ments, Publishers of Music
&c. &c.
[B]ROADWAY, NEW Y[ORK]

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1847 - 1864
maker
Firth, Pond & Co.
ID Number
MI.069391
catalog number
69391
accession number
266008
This drum was made by an unknown maker in Europe, around 1808-1817. It has a brass shell with a cast coat of arms with a crown and the initials “FWR,” and skin heads.
Description

This drum was made by an unknown maker in Europe, around 1808-1817. It has a brass shell with a cast coat of arms with a crown and the initials “FWR,” and skin heads. The wood hoops are painted red and white and drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The shell is stamped below the vent hole:

GABLER
IN
BERLIN

(And on what appears to be a snare mechanism):

2A
2B 14 LR4

The attribution date for the drum is subject to study.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1808-1817
ID Number
1980.0399.0027
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.0027
This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare.
Description

This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare. There are 6 chrome-plated metal ribs attached to the shell covering the metal tensioning rods. The maker’s medallion around the vent hole is inscribed:

CLANSMAN
ROSE, MORRIS & CO.
MADE IN ENGLAND

This drum was used by a member of the United States Air Force Pipe Band. In 1950, the band was formed as part of the United States Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. A separate Air Force Pipe Band was formed in 1960, and by 1970, the pipe band was disbanded.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968 - 1970
ID Number
MI.075303
accession number
295417
catalog number
75303
This snare drum was made by an unknown maker in the United States, around 1860-1862. It has a dark brown wood shell with a 10-point star inlay, two red-painted wood hoops, and two skin heads. There are eight sets of metal hooks laced with rope.
Description
This snare drum was made by an unknown maker in the United States, around 1860-1862. It has a dark brown wood shell with a 10-point star inlay, two red-painted wood hoops, and two skin heads. There are eight sets of metal hooks laced with rope. The snare and tensioning tugs are missing. The inside of the shell is inscribed: “This drum was captured at the battle of Chickamauga on Sept 20 1863 from the rebbles [sic].” The attribution is subject to study.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860 - 1862
ID Number
MI.058686
accession number
214043
catalog number
58686
This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1878-1882. It has a brass shell, two inlaid wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare. The tensioning mechanism is missing. The top hoop features a brass medallion inscribed with the J.
Description

This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1878-1882. It has a brass shell, two inlaid wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare. The tensioning mechanism is missing. The top hoop features a brass medallion inscribed with the J. Howard Foote logo.

J. Howard Foote (1833-1896) originally trained as a clockmaker and machine worker, began his employment at the firm of Rohé & Leavitt at No. 31 Maiden Lane in New York around 1853 and acquired the company after Rohé and Leavitt retired in 1863. Foote established a branch store in Chicago in 1868, remaining in business until his death in 1896. This instrument listed in an 1880 J. Howard Foote catalog, sold as a Prussian model Tenor or Snare drum (#7039), for $11.00.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1878 - 1882
ID Number
MI.055729
accession number
11535
catalog number
55729
This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1865 to 1880. It has a mahogany-veneer wood shell, two wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare.
Description

This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1865 to 1880. It has a mahogany-veneer wood shell, two wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare. There are eight sets of nickel-plated hooks laced with rope, through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The top hoop features a brass medallion inscribed with the J. Howard Foote logo.

J. Howard Foote (1833-1896) originally trained as a clockmaker and machine worker, began his employment at the firm of Rohé & Leavitt at No. 31 Maiden Lane in New York around 1853 and acquired the company after Rohé and Leavitt retired in 1863. Foote established a branch store in Chicago in 1868, remaining in business until his death in 1896.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865 - 1880
ID Number
MI.055732
accession number
11535
catalog number
55732
This drum was made by Abner Stevens in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1812.
Description

This drum was made by Abner Stevens in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1812. The wood drum shell has been cut down approximately 3 inches from each end and features an image of the American bald eagle on a flag shield with a banner inscribed “LIBERTY OR DEATH.” It has black painted hoops and metal hooks laced with rope through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The drum is currently disassembled. The paper label inside the shell is inscribed:

AMERICAN DRUMS
ABNE[R] [S]TEVENS,
HA[S] FOR SALE
TAMBOREANS, BASS & COM[ ]
DRUMS,
MADE IN THE BEST MANNER
At his Factory in the center of the town of
PITTSFIELD, (Ms.) 1812.

The donor provided the following information:

”This drum was carried during five years of the Civil War by Henry K. Bevier, father of donor, who was drum major of the 72d New York Zuaves. He carried the drum through many engagements of the Civil War including the Battle of Gettysburg and also in the Victory Parade held in Washington, D. C. at the close of the War. The family tradition is that this drum was originally purchased by his grandfather who carried it during the war of 1812.”

”Henry K. Bevier was born on December 1, 1843 at Jerusalem in Erie County/New York, the son of Samuel and Rhoda Taylor. On August 5, 1869, he married Mary M. Taylor and in 1873 settled in Elisabethtown, Bartholemew County, Indiana. He later moved to Nebraska and was at the time of his death in his 90's the oldest surviving Civil War veteran in Nebraska."

”Some time after the Civil War, Bevier cut three inches off the top of the drum body and three inches off its bottom and made a new drum which he gave to one son. The remaining center portion, was made into another drum and given to another son, which is the drum donated to the museum.”

Henry K. Bevier (1843-1938 ) [recorded in roster as Brevier] enlisted on May 28, 1861. He was a musician with the 72nd New York Infantry, Company D. He was mustered in June 20, 1861. Bevier was mustered out June 19, 1864.

date made
1812
maker
Stevens, Abner
ID Number
MI.066621
accession number
232886
catalog number
66621
This snare drum was made by William H. Horstmann & Sons, In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, around 1830-1857. It has a dark-brown stained wood shell with a pattern of 64 brass tacks around the sound hole, and two skin heads.
Description

This snare drum was made by William H. Horstmann & Sons, In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, around 1830-1857. It has a dark-brown stained wood shell with a pattern of 64 brass tacks around the sound hole, and two skin heads. There are two black-painted wood hoops drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The printed label is inscribed:

WM.H.HORSTMANN & SONS,
MILITARY FURNISHERS
No. 51 North Third Street
PHILADELPHIA

Hortsmann, born in Germany, emigrated to the United States and established himself as a maker of fringe, laces, and trimmings in Philadelphia, in 1815. William Horstmann & Sons were located at North Third Street between 1830 and 1857, manufacturing and importing everything from textiles and trimmings to military goods including drums, pistols, and swords. As the company expanded, Horstmann & Sons moved the factory to 5th and Cherry Streets and their storefront to 2223 Chestnut Street. Later the company would grow to two stores in New York and an agency in Paris. William Horstmann retired from the company in 1845, and his sons, William and Sigmund continued the family business until 1872.

According to the donor, this drum was picked up by a soldier by the name of Dunlevy from the Battle of the Wilderness, fought on May 5-6, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1864.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830 - 1857
maker
Horstmann, William H. & Sons
ID Number
MI.070935
accession number
279458
catalog number
70935
This snare drum was made by John Webster, near Spencertown, New York, around 1790-1820. It has a painted shell with a painted eagle with its characteristic “frog-legged” design that appears during the period of the 1790s to about 1820 on U.S.
Description

This snare drum was made by John Webster, near Spencertown, New York, around 1790-1820. It has a painted shell with a painted eagle with its characteristic “frog-legged” design that appears during the period of the 1790s to about 1820 on U.S. militia canteens, belt plates, cap insignia and knapsacks. Also this basic design, with a shield on the eagle‘s breast, was used on the U.S. Peace medals of 1792 and 1793. There are 13 stars painted on the drum shell in a circular pattern around the eagle motif. Also, there are 4 additional stars painted vertically to the right side of the eagle motif.

The drum has two wood hoops drilled with 9 holes each for rope, which at one time, was laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. There are 2 skin heads in poor condition and remnants of a gut snare. The drum is disassembled and would require conservation to bring it back to its original condition. It is accessioned with a pair of hardwood drum sticks. There is a label inside the shell that is inscribed:

“I was made by John Webster 3 miles north of Spencertown Meeting House Sept 1779”

As indicated in correspondence with the previous owner, this drum was brought back from the War of 1812 by Captain John George Snyder. Further research is needed to determine details of Snyder’s military career.

date made
1790-1820
ID Number
1989.0355.01
catalog number
1989.0355.01
accession number
1989.0355
This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1878-1882. It has a nickel-plated brass shell, two inlaid wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare. There are eight sets of nickel-plated hooks with tensioning rods used to tighten the hoops.
Description

This snare drum was manufactured for the firm of J. Howard Foote in New York, from 1878-1882. It has a nickel-plated brass shell, two inlaid wood hoops, two skin heads, and a gut snare. There are eight sets of nickel-plated hooks with tensioning rods used to tighten the hoops. The top hoop features a brass medallion inscribed with the J. Howard Foote logo.

J. Howard Foote (1833-1896) originally trained as a clockmaker and machine worker, began his employment at the firm of Rohé & Leavitt at No. 31 Maiden Lane in New York around 1853 and acquired the company after Rohé and Leavitt retired in 1863. Foote established a branch store in Chicago in 1868, remaining in business until his death in 1896. This instrument listed in an 1880 J. Howard Foote catalog, sold as a Prussian model Tenor or Snare drum (#7044), for $14.00.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1878 - 1882
ID Number
MI.055730
accession number
11535
catalog number
55730
This snare drum was made by Walberg & Auge in Worcester, Massachusetts, around 1903-1910. It has a stained wood shell and skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 14 sets of metal hooks for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops.
Description (Brief)

This snare drum was made by Walberg & Auge in Worcester, Massachusetts, around 1903-1910. It has a stained wood shell and skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 14 sets of metal hooks for rope which is laced through leather ears, used to tighten the hoops. The drum has a metal screw device to activate the gut snares.

There is a cast metal plate on the top hoop that is marked:

WALBERG & AUGE
W AND A
WORCESTER, MASS. USA

This drum was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1903-1910
ID Number
1984.0335.03
accession number
1984.0335
catalog number
1984.0335.03
This snare drum was made by Duplex Manufacturing Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, around 1897-1910. It has a stained wood shell with skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 20 sets of tensioning rods attached with screws on the inside of the hoops.
Description (Brief)

This snare drum was made by Duplex Manufacturing Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, around 1897-1910. It has a stained wood shell with skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 20 sets of tensioning rods attached with screws on the inside of the hoops. The drum has a metal screw device to active the gut snares. There is a cast metal label on the top hoop that is inscribed:

DUPLEX DRUM
MADE BY
THE DUPLEX
MFG. CO.

(and a metal badge around the vent hole that is cast):

DUPLEX
PAT. 83-87-97

There are three United States patents associated with this drum:

U.S. Patent #274900 – “New and Improved Tension-Rod for Drum Heads,” Emile Boulanger, April 3, 1883

U.S. Patent #371415 – “Drum,” Emile Boulanger, October 11, 1887

U.S. Patent #578198 – “Drum Construction,” Emile Boulanger, March 2, 1897

This drum was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1897-1910
ID Number
1984.0335.04
accession number
1984.0335
catalog number
1984.0335.04
patent number
274900
371415
578198
This snare drum was made by Rudolf Wurlitzer and Bros. in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1883. It has a wood shell with a painted shield with red and white stripes, and the letters “U. S.” The hoops are stained black and are held together by 8 metal tension rods.
Description

This snare drum was made by Rudolf Wurlitzer and Bros. in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1883. It has a wood shell with a painted shield with red and white stripes, and the letters “U. S.” The hoops are stained black and are held together by 8 metal tension rods. The drum has a gut snare and skin heads. The printed label inside the shell reads:

Rudolph Wurlitzer & Bros.
MANUFACTURERS OF
Drums and Band Instruments
OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AND STYLE
No 115 MAIN STREET
Send for catalogue
Cincinnati, O.

This drum features specifications of military snare drums adopted on July 9, 1886. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1884, and possibly may be an early prototype made by Wurlitzer as it lacks any date of contract information required by the Quartermaster General specifications.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1883
maker
Rudolph Wurlitzer & Bros.
ID Number
MI.093194
accession number
14682
catalog number
093194
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Batá Drum, Oconcolo (Small) with 5” and 6-3/4” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling.
Description

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Batá Drum, Oconcolo (Small) with 5” and 6-3/4” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá

(2000.3030.14.03).

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.14.01
catalog number
2000.3039.14.01
nonaccession number
2000.3039
This drum was made by Toca Percussion in the United States, about 1999, and distributed by KMC Music (Kamen Music Corporation). It is a Rumba Timba Bata Drum, made of red-lacquered oak, with chrome-plated tensioning hardware.
Description (Brief)

This drum was made by Toca Percussion in the United States, about 1999, and distributed by KMC Music (Kamen Music Corporation). It is a Rumba Timba Bata Drum, made of red-lacquered oak, with chrome-plated tensioning hardware. The drum is marked:

TOCA
LATIN INSTRUMENTS
KAMAN
PERCUSSION PRODUCTS

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.10
nonaccession number
2000.3039
catalog number
2000.3039.10
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Patato Model drum, 12” diameter Tumbadora Conga, made of fiberglass, with chrome fittings.
Description (Brief)

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Patato Model drum, 12” diameter Tumbadora Conga, made of fiberglass, with chrome fittings. This drum is from a matched set of three congas Quinto (2000.3030.13.01), Conga (2000.3030.13.02), and Tumbadora (2000.3030.13.03).

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Played by professional congueros the world over, these fiberglass drums were developed in 1978 after a recording session with the legendary "Patato" at the studio in Martin Cohen's home. Patato's own design required tall drums with a wide belly and small bottom. Standing 30" tall, these drums project deep basstones and great volume without sacrificing crisp, high sounds.”

Carlos Valdés Galán (1926–2007), better known as “Patato,” was a Cuban conga player. In 1954, he emigrated to New York City where he continued his career as a musician for several jazz and Latin music ensembles, and sometimes as a bandleader.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.13.03
nonaccession number
2000.3039
catalog number
2000.3039.13.03
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
user
Hernandez, Horacio
maker
Pearl Musical Instrument Company
ID Number
2013.0037.02
accession number
2013.0037
catalog number
2013.0037.02
serial number
152826
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Batá Drum, Omele/ Itolele (medium) with 5-3/4” and 9” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling.
Description (Brief)

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Batá Drum, Omele/ Itolele (medium) with 5-3/4” and 9” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá

(2000.3030.14.03).

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.14.02
nonaccession number
2000.3039
catalog number
2000.3039.14.02
This drum was made by an unknown maker in the United states, around 1850-1860. It is a snare drum with a wood shell, wood hoops with holes laced with rope through 10 leather ears, used to tighten the hoops, and metal snares.
Description

This drum was made by an unknown maker in the United states, around 1850-1860. It is a snare drum with a wood shell, wood hoops with holes laced with rope through 10 leather ears, used to tighten the hoops, and metal snares. The bottom drumhead is painted:

SYKE'S
[in a maltese cross] US 31
REGULAR'S
2nd DIV 5th CORP's
ARMY
of the
POTOMAC

George Sykes (1822–1880) was a career United States Army officer and a Union General during the American Civil War. He was the commander of the 2nd Division of the V (Fifth) Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.

The date attribution and provenance are subject to study.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1860
ID Number
MI.393794
accession number
211893
catalog number
393794
This snare drum was made by Clemens Kreher in Marienberg, Germany, in 1915. It has a brass shell, red and white painted metal hoops, 5 metal tensioning rods attached through metal loops in the hoops, skin heads, and a gut snare.
Description

This snare drum was made by Clemens Kreher in Marienberg, Germany, in 1915. It has a brass shell, red and white painted metal hoops, 5 metal tensioning rods attached through metal loops in the hoops, skin heads, and a gut snare. There is a maker’s stamp on the shell:

Clemens Kreher
Tromelfabrik
Marienberg I.S.
1915

As indicated in the original U. S. National Museum accession card, this drum was “captured by American Expeditionary Forces in France during the World War, 1918.”

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
unspecified
U.S. War Department
ID Number
MI.029941
catalog number
29941
accession number
65026
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Galaxy Giovanni Series Conga drum, 12-1/2” diameter Tumbadora, made of ash, with gold-tone metal fittings.
Description (Brief)

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Galaxy Giovanni Series Conga drum, 12-1/2” diameter Tumbadora, made of ash, with gold-tone metal fittings. This drum is from a matched set of four congas Tumbadora (2000.3030.12.01), Conga (2000.3030.12.02), Quinto (2000.3030.12.03), and Requinto (2000.3030.12.04)

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Hand crafted of premium environmentally friendly North American Ash wood, these 30" tall drums have resonance, attack and warmth found in no other conga. The LP Galaxy Giovanni Series Congas yield commanding bass, rich mid tones and crackling highs with attention getting projection. Each drum is crafted with LP's exclusive construction process using three plies of wood which are assembled utilizing internal steel pins for reinforcement. All of the natural colors and tones of this premium wood shine through the rich, deep gloss finish. These drums are accented by gleaming, gold tone hardware and feature LP's improved patented Extended Collar Comfort Curve® II Rims which increase tonal range. The drums are topped with all-natural hand-picked rawhide heads.”

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.12.01
nonaccession number
2000.3039
catalog number
2000.3039.12.01
This drum was made by an unknown maker, probably Europe in the late 18th century. It has a wood shell that is painted with two lions flanking a shield containing four six-sided stars and a Maltese cross, and skin heads.
Description

This drum was made by an unknown maker, probably Europe in the late 18th century. It has a wood shell that is painted with two lions flanking a shield containing four six-sided stars and a Maltese cross, and skin heads. The wood hoops are painted red, white and blue and are drilled with 10 holes each for rope which is laced through leather ears. There is a crude metal mechanism (missing parts) for the gut snare. The painted shield is inscribed:

Anno HAARLEM 1572

The date attribution is subject to study.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1775-1799
ID Number
MI.65.0693
accession number
1991.0406
catalog number
65.0693
This drum was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1960s-early 1970s. It is an African Drum, made of a carved wooden shell, attached to a hand-made metal stand, with an animal skin drumhead, edges covered with a leather strap that is nailed to the shell.
Description

This drum was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1960s-early 1970s. It is an African Drum, made of a carved wooden shell, attached to a hand-made metal stand, with an animal skin drumhead, edges covered with a leather strap that is nailed to the shell. This drum appears on an image on the back of the album Ubane by Mongo Santamaria and Justo Betancourt, released in 1976 (Cat. #2005.0030.16). Previously used by Afro-Latin jazz percussionist Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría.

Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 1960s-early 1970s
user
Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
ID Number
2005.0030.05
accession number
2005.0030
catalog number
2005.0030.05
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
user
Hernandez, Horacio
referenced
Smith, Marvin
maker
Pearl Musical Instrument Company
ID Number
2013.0037.06
accession number
2013.0037
catalog number
2013.0037.06

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