'Invader' Style Steel Drum
Donated by Frances Ulrich 1996-11-01
Developed predominantly by urban dwellers on the islands of
Trinidad and Tobago during the 1930s, pan and the steel band
movement have since spread world-wide and been incorporated
in many styles of music. The principal instrument used in
pan (or steel band) music is the steel drum, or pan.
This lead pan is an early example of the 'Invader'style steel
drum. It is so designated due to its design by Ellie Mannette
and its use by his band, The Invaders. It is constructed from
a 55-gallon barrel, which dates it just after 1946. Prior
to this date, smaller containers were used to construct pans.
Most current pans are tuned to the 2nd or 3rd partial. However,
this early lead-style pan has each of its 23 pitches tuned
only to the fundamental pitch. This instrument is 22 3/4 inches
(58.0 cm) in diameter and has a skirt measuring 6 inches (15.0
cm) in height. 
Detail of pan stamped with '855 54 AND'across three of the pitches. 
Diagram showing specific pitches.
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