Vintage West African Sound Instrument/Shantu from Nigeria

Vintage African musical instrument known as the Shantu (percussion flute). This instrument is composed of a long narrow gourd which is open at each end. Sound is made when it is struck against the player’s thigh or with the palm of the hand. These are used by women in polygamous households to ‘talk’ from hut to hut within a compound, by covering the far end of the gourd with the other hand to obtain the different pitches of drum-language. The air is driven into the tube between the thigh or the hand to produce a sort of pitched plopping sound.

The base is a natural buff color with a honey/orange tinge. Decoration consists of incised carvings of cranes/herons which are painted black with additional detailing in burgundy. This vintage instrument was made from a natural gourd that has been used. By the nature of its use, cracks have occurred. A new acrylic base with a rod was custom made for safe display. The gourd fits freely on the base and can be viewed straight on or at an angle to show the curvature. Perfect for an African Art Collection, a Musical Instrument Collector or a décor with natural organic pieces.

Place of Origin: Nigeria

Date of Manufacture: late-20^th Century

Condition: Very Good. 

Wear: Consistent with age. Cracks exist, piece is structurally sound, custom base made for safe display. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: