Hollow bronze drum, with narrow waist and large open circular ends. The piece is undecorated except for three concentric bands of repeated triangles alternating with incised lines at one end. Mottled green patination. Condition: Very good This waisted drum is one of the earliest examples of musical instruments from the eastern Eurasian steppes in northeast China. The decorated end was originally covered with a membrane of thin animal skin that served as a resonator. Compare the geometric decoration of the steppes with the coiled-serpent pattern on the "Tripod Food Vessel" from central China to the right (69.164.14) and the design of a heraldic bird and two flanking tigers on the "Bell" from southwest China to the left (2003.3.1). (Gallery Chat ...