Kettledrum

Pairs of kettledrums were traditionally paired with sets of evenly numbered trumpets and used in military and ceremonial functions. The drums were played with wooden mallets by players who were members of the musicians guild who carefully guarded the techniques, repertoire, and traditions associated with these instruments. Accordingly, guild kettledrummers and trumpeters were paid more than the typical soldiers. When used in ceremonial processions, the drums were typically draped in colorful banners and mounted and played on horseback. Often, kettledrummers in European courts and military units were black African men.

Technical description: Body of copper, standing on three small feet. Head braced with screws, the screw plates being cut in the form of fantastic dragons. Inside, rising from the ventl hole, is a bell-shaped funnel (schaltrictern). These devices are commonly found on seventeenth and eighteenth century kettledrums from Germanic areas and were thought to improve the tone of the drum.