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Drum - Single Head

Yoruba Shango Drum

Nigeria
Yoruba

Wood, Animal Hide, Cloth
ca. Late 19th / Early 20th Century

Height: 11 inches
Membranophone - Struck - Directly

Drums provide important rhythmical background for ceremonies for Shango, the Yoruba god of thunder. Animal hide is tightly wrapped over the top and bottom of the tapered hollow wood conical-shape/cylinder, and held in place with strips of hide. Each drum produces a different tone. It is noteworthy that this accords with the tonal language of the Yoruba, in which a word may have different meanings based upon the tone or pitch used as the word is spoken. Through changes in rhythm, pitch and tone, the drums literally sing the praises of Shango and demarcate different phases in the rituals. Through extraordinary skill and musicianship master drummers can make the drums speak as they both inform and entertain the devotees of Shango.

 

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Catalog#: AF-MBST-18-102