NAM.1979-08-65-2

Sudanese kettledrum, taken from the battlefield of Toski, 3rd Aug 1889, by Capt (later Col) Benjamin Donisthorpe Alsop Donne, Royal Sussex Regiment attached to 10th Bn Egyptian Infantry, son of Donisthorpe. Thick hide surface stretched over a beaten copper, round bottomed, drum; hide secured with thongs laced around the drum; suspension rings are offset and implies that the drum was offset when mount, possibly as one of a pair on either side of a camel; This type of copper and leather drum, known as a Nihas or Nahas, is an object of considerable importance in Sudanese culture. The ownership of such a drum is a mark of respect and social standing.

Toski, Battle of, 1889 (Sudan-Abyssinian Frontier 1885-1891)