| Maker(s): | Stevens, Abner
| | Culture: | American (1783-1849)
| | Title: | drum
| | Date Made: | ca. 1822
| | Type: | Musical Instrument;; Ceremonial
| | Materials: | wood, brass, paper, paint, glass, skins, rope
| | Place Made: | United States; Massachusetts; Pittsfield
| | Measurements: | overall: 16 1/2 x 16 3/4 in.; 41.91 x 42.545 cm
| | Accession Number: | HD 2003.37.3
| | Credit Line: | Gift from the Collection of William H. Guthman
| | Museum Collection: | Historic Deerfield
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Description:
Painted military drum made by Abner Stevens (1783-1849) of Pittsfield, who was making drums in Pittsfield as early as 1809. The straight rows of brass nail decoration found on this drum as well as the sponge-decorated body and stylized green and red sunburst is typical of his work. An 1822 paper label can be seen through a small hole in the center of the sunburst that reads: "Abner Stevens Music Shop in the Village of Pittsfield, selling Flutes, Pipes, Hautboys, Strings, Drums." Drums were used to signal commands when large columns of troops were marching into battle or from one fort to another. They also gave an alarm signal to warn against enemy attack, and soldiers were ordered never to go beyond hearing of the repeated beat of a drum at the fort. They were also an essential part of every parade. This drum has a sponge-decorated body with brass nail decoration of diamonds, straight lines; a stylized green and red sunburst in a brass nail oval; and sponged red hoops. The drum also has the original skins, ropes, snare, and pulls, a glass insert to protect the drummer's skin. In HD 2003.37.6, a book titled "The New Military Guide; ... Compiled for the Use of the Militia" by John Farmer, printed in Concord, New Hampshire, by Hill and Moore, 1822, the regulations for drums include: "1. Drums, when not slung for 'beating,' should be ceased, and at all times protected against the weather as far as practical. At the same time their cords will be slackened. 2. The drummers should be furnished with a piece of sheep skin, dressed with the wool on ; (the colour of the pantaloons) as a guard to the left thigh, and fastened around the waist, and at the knee, by means of straps and buckles."
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2003.37.3 |
