NAM.1963-05-13-2

Sudanese kettledrum, 1898 (c); reputedly taken from the Dervish forces at the Battle of Omdurman, 2nd Sudan War 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, two pairs missing, and below are 52 bronze pegs to secure head and on either side are to large suspension rings; tanned shave leather head, possibly cowskin, perforated around side to fit over pegs; two bound leather handles on either side; originally a leather thong was wound through numerous holes in the side.

Omdurman, Battle of, 1898 (2nd Sudan War 1895-1899)