Maroto

Maroto *friction drum of the Mamvu and Mambutu of Uele district, the Congo, consisting of a cylinder of sticks or arrows over which a skin is stretched. The player holds fresh grass in his hands while rubbing the friction cord. Women are not permitted to see it, under penalty of stillbirth. It accompanies ritual dances. Also called najoroto (132). Mahillon, Victor. Catalogue descriptif et analytique du Musée Instrumental du Conservatoire de Bruxelles. 1893–1922.