Ashanti Miniature African Bronze: Seated Drummer

Two inches tall, and already keeping time.

Ashanti metalworkers of Ghana, West Africa, cast this miniature seated drummer in bronze in the 20th century. Small cast figures from the Akan world commonly show trades, daily scenes and proverbs. Here the musician sits behind a squat, banded drum, elbows bent outward, hands resting on its rim. A tall cap rises above a narrow face. The bronze has darkened to chocolate brown, with warmer rubbed highlights along the drum bands.

About 2 inches tall. Fits a palm, a shelf edge, or a very small orchestra pit.