Ancient African Drums
In Africa drums have been used for centuries as a way to communicate. Tribes spread out across the continent, using drums to send messages and news to each other, and all of these drums were made by hand. Different types of drums existed for different purposes. Use of drums in African culture includes rituals and dance. Children learned how to drum by an oral/aural method and were encouraged to add their own personal drumming methods.
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Djembe
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The djembe, widely recognized as an African drum, is one of the oldest types of African drums still in use today. Its origins can be traced as far back as the 12th century, and it is commonly associated with the Mandinka blacksmiths. Like many African drums, it is known as one of the "talking drums" and originates from West Africa. This goblet-shaped drum is known by a variety of names, such as "jembe" and "jimbay." The djembe drums are typically made with goatskins, and it is played at celebrations, such as harvest and marriages.
Ashiko
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The ashiko, which originated from Nigeria, is indigenous to the Yoruba people. It is sometimes confused with the Ngoma because both are straight-sided drums; however, the Ngoma originates from the Congo ("Ngoma" is Congolese for "drum"). Although they are both indeed drums and their names mean "drum," they still differ in how they are made--staved versus carved--and how they are played.
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Gankogui
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The gankogui is also known as the "gakpevi." It is part of a musical ensemble known as "Ewe drumming," a musical ensemble performed by the Ewe people of Ghana, Togo and Benin. As with other African drums, the gankogui is played with a stick. It is made of iron and consists of two bells.
Balafon
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The balafon, also called the "Sosso Bala," is similar to a xylophone. The drummer plays the balafon by striking the keys with padded sticks. Some reports cite the balafon to have originated in the 13th century. It is indigenous to the Mandinka people of West Africa. It has been played either with a lone drummer as part of a ritual or along with other musical performers in an ensemble.
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References
- SignaPhiNothing; Drums in African Tradition; by Mike Rossiter
- Rebirth African art Gallery; African Drum History-djembe
- The Dread Library; Drumming, the Backbone Of African & Reggae Music; by Jason Kahn
- Drums.org; Dejembe-L FAQ; The History of the Ashiko
- Dancedrummer.com; African Drumming; Gankogui
- African Music Safari; African Balafon History
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
