This a rather colorful wooden carved drum in a "stemmed vase" shape. It is played by holding it under the arm or between the legs on the floor or suspended and held between the knees. The drums vary in size and that would determine where it is held to be played. I bought this colorful drum at the local open-air market in the island of Guadaloupe (Basse Terre) during a Southern Caribbean Cruise in December 1999.