Sudanese kettle drum, c.1898 (copper)

Reputedly taken form Dervish forces at the Battle of Omdurman, 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899) 1898. The object is referred to as a Nihas/Nahas, an object of great importance in Sudanese culture, the ownership of a Nihas is a mark of respect and social standing. Heavy beaten copper shell. Four pairs of bronze suspension rings around rim and below are 38 copper pegs to secure head. Tanned and shaved leather head, possibly cowskin, smooth on top with traces of hair remaining on sides, perforated around side to fit over pegs round the shell. Twisted leather cord passes through eight holes in the edge of the head to form four ‘V’ shaped tensioning cords joining at a ring underneath the shell.