211.252.12

Iyaalu or 'mother' bata drum, with shell made of omo wood (Cordia milleni).Both heads of the drum are struck; the larger one with the right hand, the smaller one with a leather strap held in the left hand. Both heads have two layers of skin, with the top layer cut away to form a ring around the inner skin. The heads are lapped onto internal hoops and are directly braced: the hide lacing, with vestiges of hair, passes through the eight holes between the two heads and beneath the hoops. The central section of the shell and the lacing for the skins is encircled with flat strips of white tanned leather, and longer thicker strips of hide with hair exposed. The drum has a carrying strap of dyed crimson leather with a textile backing.