A man from the Kasai region Playing Lukumu

A man from the Kasai region in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo playing a Lukumvu, which is a traditional telegraph drum. These drums, often large and carved from wood, were used as communication tools among various Central African communities.

The Lukumvu drum functioned as a form of "talking drum," relaying messages across long distances using rhythmic patterns that mimicked the tonal languages spoken in the region. This method allowed for the transmission of complex messages, ranging from news and warnings to ceremonial calls, well before modern telecommunication.

The drums were normally large, conical shaped and included the use of beaters to function as both an instrument and a medium of communication.