The Talking Drum
Would you play an instrument that could talk?
History
The Talking Drum was used by the Griots in West Africa. This is one of the oldest West African insturments. The history of this peculiar instrument can be traced back to the Ghana Empire. Not only was this used in the Ghana empire, it was used by the Hausa people to create Griot music as well. Even though the Talking Drum is very old, it is primarily manufactured in West Africa specifically.
Cultural Significance
The Talking Drum is a cultural key to the people in West Africa. The people in West African countries employ Talking Drums after every meal. They dance and celebrate while they play their drums. In the video, we learned that Joh began playing with his drum when he was two years old. It is like a toy for the children. The talking drum is an integral part of culture here.
Construction
This instrument is shaped like an hourglass, and it is made with skins stretched over the ends of the drum and held in place by several restricting cords. The drum itself is made from wood, and the heads of the drum are made of animal hide, fish-skin, or other thin materials. Strict leather cords hold the skins in place, when the cords are pulled tighter, the pitch of the drum is higher, and when the cords are loose, the pitch is lower. This is a relatively simple and easy instrument to make, which is a reason it was used so broadly.
Why buy a drum that talks?
If you are looking for a versatile, soothing, and easy instrument to play, come to West Africa and get a Talking Drum. It is not hard to learn how to play, you can immediately become the life of the party, so come get yours today!
Comparison
Instruments from Africa include musical bows which are constructed like hunting bows and can be played in numerous manners, one-string fiddles, flutes, thumb pianos, trumpets, other drums, and many many more. There was an overarching motivation for music on this continent which was celebration. In Africa, the music and dancing were very culturally recognized. Music was played in every special occasion.
Relation to Griots and Jellis
Griots and Jellis were members of a group of traveling poets, musicians, and storytellers who maintain a rich oral and musical history in West Africa. The Talking Drums are very important to the Griots and Jellis as well because this is an instrument that can be easily transported which is an essential aspect to a migrating culture.
Why it is better than your smart phone
The talking drum was an integral part of African culture, much like our smartphones are an integral part of our culture today. Smartphones can make long distance calls, surf the web, send texts and many other thing. In the times where the talking drums were really popular, families were more intimate, villages were closer, and celebrations had more meeting. An interesting thing I heard was that now we are alone when we are together when we use our iPhones. Back then, they were together when they were together.