The History of African Hand Drums
Percussion is a vital part of the music of many cultures. To the people of Africa, drums and other percussion instruments are essential and the most important aspect of their music. The number of percussion instruments originating from Africa is so great that only a few important types can be discussed here. No other continent has a larger number of styles of drums.
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History
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Music traditions in Africa are passed among generations through listening and performance. Most African music is not written, so it is learned through memory, and it has most likely evolved throughout the years.
Types
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The djembe is perhaps the most common and important drum of Africa. The djembe dates as far as 500 A.D. and is a sacred and social drum used in many rituals and ceremonies. Talking drums are able to produce more than one pitch, and they are used to express speech and inflection. Other types include the bodhran and bender (frame drums), bongos (played in pairs), djun-djun (double-headed drums), and the doumbek (goblet-shaped drums). African drums are played by hand or sometimes with a mallet or stick.
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Uses
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Drumming and dancing is a common practice in Africa, and it takes place during a variety of ceremonies and rituals, including rites of passage, births, deaths, marriages, worship and healing.
Features
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Drums of Africa have a variety of tonal frequencies and are meant to imitate voices or other sounds. The djembe, and many other African drums, is able to "speak" in many tones and colors, and it can be quiet or loud. African drums are typically made from carved wood and animal hides.
Significance
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Music in Africa is not only about entertainment, as it is in many other cultures, but also music to the people of Africa is meant to serve a dramatic function and to be a part of daily life. The drums and music of Africa are so pervasive that it has influenced the music of other countries all around the world.
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References
- Photo Credit little drum from wood image by Dev from Fotolia.com
