LP Quinto Conga Drum: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Galaxy Giovanni Series Conga drum, 11” diameter Quinto, made of ash, with gold-tone metal fittings. This drum is from a matched set of four congas Tumbadora (2000.3030.12.01), Conga (2000.3030.12.02), Quinto (2000.3030.12.03), and Requinto (2000.3030.12.04).

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Hand crafted of premium environmentally friendly North American Ash wood, these 30" tall drums have resonance, attack and warmth found in no other conga. The LP Galaxy Giovanni Series Congas yield commanding bass, rich mid tones and crackling highs with attention getting projection. Each drum is crafted with LP's exclusive construction process using three plies of wood which are assembled utilizing internal steel pins for reinforcement. All of the natural colors and tones of this premium wood shine through the rich, deep gloss finish. These drums are accented by gleaming, gold tone hardware and feature LP's improved patented Extended Collar Comfort Curve® II Rims which increase tonal range. The drums are topped with all-natural hand-picked rawhide heads.”

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date made: 1999
• maker: Latin Percussion
• Object Name: drum
• Physical Description: ash (overall material)
• Physical Description: metal (overall material)
• Physical Description: animal skin (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 29 3/4 in x 14 1/2 in x 13 in; 75.565 cm x 36.83 cm x 33.02 cm
• place made: United States: New Jersey, Garfield
• ID Number: 2000.3039.12.03
• nonaccession number: 2000.3039
• catalog number: 2000.3039.12.03
• Credit Line: Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Center for Latino Initiatives (through: Dr.Refugio l. Rochin,Director)
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.