Types of Ancient African Drums
One of the most ancient of musical instruments is the drum. Almost all cultures have used drums in some form or other. Drums in African culture are used to signify various rites and rituals and are not just for the sake of music. Thus, over the years, different types of drums have been evolved to produce different kinds of sounds to suit specific ceremonies or functions.
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Djembe
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These drums are believed to have originated sometime around 500 AD from West Africa. Djembes are generally used during ancestral worship, healing ceremonies, warrior rituals, rites of passage and social dancing. The djembe is traditionally hand-carved from solid hardwood log. Goat skin is used to cover the shell and produce the sound unique to this drum.
Bougarabou
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Originally from South Senegal, the bougarabou traditionally has a cow-hide head and is hand-carved from a wood called "dembu." Standing at approximately 2 feet tall, this drum is played both solo and with a set of other drums. Though it has more tonal range, the bougarabou produces a sound similar to that of the conga.
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Bongo
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Bongos are from West Africa and normally played in pairs. They were traditionally held between the knees while playing. The body of the drum was carved out of wood with the drumheads being made from animal skin. You will find bongos played during festivals and functions.
Conga
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A larger variation of the bongo drum is the conga, which originated from West Africa also. Congas can be used in pairs or singly. They are much taller than the bongos and are played sitting or standing behind them.
African Talking Drum
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These drums are known by various other names like dundun, atumpan, gangan, donno, tama, tamma, kalungu, doodo, odondo, dondo, lunar and lunna. These hourglass-shaped drums are called "talking drums" as they were used in ancient times to pass messages through different villages and communities. The drum is made from wood and animal hide attached together by leather cords. The drum is supported under the left arm, while hitting on the skin with a bent stick produces the sounds. While beating the stick on the drumhead, the drummer squeezes the "waist" of the drum to produce different types of notes by changing the pitch. The tighter you squeeze the drum, the higher the pitch of the note. It is this language that was used to pass messages through the villages. The drums were also used to recite prayers and evoke blessings during many rituals.
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References
- Photo Credit fleurs et djembé image by Anthony CALVO from Fotolia.com
