Fon Wood Rhythm Pounder

Slim, tall, and darker at the top where the hands went.

This rhythm pounder is Fon, from Togo, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. Rhythm pounders, struck against the ground, were used in many West African communities to keep time for song and dance. This one is a long tapering column, widening toward the base and ending at the top in a small knob. The upper section is a polished dark red brown, while the lower shaft is weathered gray with visible grain. A thin band encircles it near the middle. It is mounted on a black base and stands 41 inches high.

Built to keep the beat, and it still keeps the line.