Rare Mayombe Or Mayumbe Drum, "ndungu" Or "ingomba"

Rare and long Mayombe, or Mayumbe, drum, called "Ndungu" or "Ingomba" depending on the region.
Congo or Gabon, former kingdom of Loango, adorned with a superb handle depicting a panther holding its prey between its fangs.
The multi-ethnic kingdom of Loango, founded in the late 8th or early 9th century, had a panther as its royal totem, a symbol of strength and power.
The drum was played held between the drummer's legs, with the thinner end resting on the ground behind him.
Ancient, early 20th century or perhaps even older, it has suffered the ravages of time, losing its skin membranes and the strings that held them in place... It shows some old "restorations", a "piece" near the handle, missing ends, and cracks....
Other photos on mail request.
One example is on display at the MET Museum, others at the Tervueren Museum...
Dimensions:
Length 201 cm; diameters from 9 to 20 cm; weight = 5.6 kg.