AFRICAN DRUMS
This page is a record of an exhibit that took place
in 2001. The individual links below will take you to
the CURRENT VERSION of the pages
that formed part of that exhibit.
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AFRICAN DRUMS:
African drums were musical instruments, ceremonial objects and means
of communication. The large exhibit focuses on the traditional drums of
the Yoruba, Senufo, Kuba, Akan, Chokwe and other peoples, plus slit drums
of the Yaka, Dan and Yangere. The drums range from everyday objects with
monumental, simple forms to ornate pieces bringing status to the owner,
connoting power and the honoring of ancestors.
Other instruments, such as gongs, horns, kora, harps and mbira (thumb
pianos) are also included. Most of the exhibit is visual; many pieces are
not capable of being played, but some are. We also have contemporary jembe
drums, talking drums and balliphones all intended for play.
VARIOUS DRUMS
The drums below have been sold and are left here for reference and
educational purposes.
DRUM CATALOGS:
YORUBA, CEREMONIAL DRUMS,
Nigeria
The most impressive collection in the exhibit are the ten Yoruba ceremonial
drums, all deeply carved with figures or heads. From the large poster piece
on the left to the smallest, each shows a careful design and execution meant
to foster both belief and prestige.
BAMILEKE,
DRUMS, Cameroon
Six Bamileke drums, embellished with low relief carving of figures, animals
and objects show the creativity and power the Bamileke put into functional
objects. We have one massive Slit drum used primarily as a signal gong to
alert, assemble or inform the population. Variations in the thickness of
the walls would vary the tones when struck by heavy wooden drum sticks.
One unusually complex form seems to be a hybrid of styles.
YAKA, DRUMS, Dem. Rep.
of Congo
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate
when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes
the body. Several vertical examples from the Yaka people show careful execution,
SENUFO, DRUMS,
Ivory Coast
Five tall Senufo drums, embellished with low relief animals, exhibit
a subtle surface elegance and well designed form
DAN, DRUMS, Liberia
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate
when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes
the body. Several vertical examples from the Dan people show careful execution,
KUBA, DRUMS, Dem. Rep.
of Congo
Nine Kuba examples, with their intricate intertwined abstract designs,
a few with faces or hand motifs, show the variety and skill known for Kuba
sculpture.
IGBO, CEREMONIAL DRUMS,
Nigeria
Slit drums, with hollow chambers and long narrow openings that resonate
when struck, often take a human or animal form in which the drum becomes
the body. The Igbo use both the vertical and the larger horizontal type.
We have one massive slit drum used primarily as a signal gong to alert,
assemble or inform the population. Variations in the thickness of the walls
would vary the tones when struck by heavy wooden drum sticks.We are also
showing a tall, skinheaded drum with wonderful relief carving.
CHOKWE, DRUMS,
Angola
Two Chokwe drums, with their intricate abstract designs and faces, are
double-headed.
DJEMBE DRUMS, West Africa
The most common and popular drums in west Africa, djembes are distinguished
by their simple but elegant shapes and powerful sound. New examples can
be tightened and tuned by tying the lines together.
TALKING DRUMS, West
Africa
Talking drums are smaller and quieter then the Djembes, and get their
name from the tonal range (voices) with which it can speak by squeezing
and releasing the vertical strings to tighten and loosen the heads. Most
are double headed and are struck by a special curved stick.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS, AFRICA
GO TO AFRICAN DRUMS PAGE
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