The Sámi Magic Drum

When I was at the BM to see the Babylon exhibit, I also happened across the Sámi Magic Drum. It was a delight! Such a splendid little exhibit, all spun from the one little artefact that was owned by Sir Hans Sloane and has been in the museum since it opened 250 years ago. It was made in the 1600s and is magic because of the totemic paintings daubed on the reindeer skin that stretches over it and because of the way it was used in Sámi ritual. It's charming. I always wondered what happened to Rudolph when his glow had gone.


(drum size not as pictured, unless that's a tiny Sámi shaman)