Pottery Drum

ca. 2500 BC
Shanxi Museum

Noticeable features of this very early drum include its shape; its handles; the irregular, net-like, raised pattern on its lower bell; the small rimmed collar at the base of the instrument; incised reliefs on its body and neck; and bosses at the top to attach the drumhead. To make the drumhead, an animal skin was stretched by ropes or sinews and attached to the circular bosses.