Photograph of Etta Moten Barnett seated surrounded by African drums

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This is a black and white photograph of Etta Moten Barnett seated surrounded by six African drums. Wearing a long sleeved white blouse with a brooch at the neckline and a grey straight skirt, she is seated on a stool with traditional African drums of varying sizes and shapes arranged on the floor in a circle around her. She holds the palm of her left hand just above the surface of a tall narrow drum at her left side. The edges of the drum appear to be constructed of rope or reeds, tied together in the middle. On her lap is a small drum with a wide top and a narrow base. She gazes directly at the viewer. Behind her are low shelves with woven baskets, pottery, and small African statuary in materials that appear to be wood and ivory. The photographer’s stamp is on the back.

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