Is That a Person... Or A Drum?
Asking price: $189.99!
Why You Need To Buy These Talking Drums Today!
Have you ever truly needed to get your emotions out in a fun and constructive way? Beating on drums is both a spiritual and emotional roller coaster in which you are sent on a journey to learn who you really are! If that does not sound appealing to you, then maybe getting in touch with possible ancestors or having the ability to put yourself in the shoes of a West African entertainer would better suit your interests! Whether you're searching for an emotional or spiritual experience or looking to get in touch with your inner West African self, these are the drums for you!
These talking drums are for sale right now!
The Talking Drum originated from West Africa and was pitched in such a fashion that it resembled human speech patterns. This was one of the oldest instruments used in West Africa, and was originally played by the Hausa people. Today, this instrument is utilized in a genreof music called "Griot" which is centered around the use of this drum.
For Sale Now! Only $189.99!
These talking drums are guaranteed to be tubular!
How They Are Made
For all of you DIY maniacs out there, here is how they used to be made! Skins were stretched over the ends of the drums and were held in place by many cords. The drum heads at either end of the drums wooden body are made from hide, fish-skin, or other membranes which are wrapped around a wooden hoop. When the chords are tightened or loosened, the pitch is changed.
Cultural Significance
With an entire genre of music revolving around this single instrument, the talking drum is a staple in the West African culture. Whether it is a festival or simply a joyous party after a meal, these drums have been alongside Africans. The talking drums have their own language utilized to get ideas from one village to the next before the use of transportation such as cars or communication systems like radios.
How they relate to modern day communication
When you really get down to it, what is communication? All language is is the recognition of certain pitches created by air passing through vocal chords and the vibrations are turned into compression sound waves that are read by our ear drum. After hearing the pitch a few times, you will begin to associate objects and ideas with the pitches. In this sense, there is very little differentiation between the drums and spoken language. Just like you are able to associate these words into ideas, the different pitches and strokes on the drum create different ideas and images in the minds of people who know the language. In a way, these are only different than megaphones in that they are only able to speak the language of the talking drum.
The Talking Drum And The Jelli
Because Griots, or Jelli, were given the responsibility of recording information and passing it on to the next generation, they utilized talking drums to help them with this task. The Jelli would play the drums as he retold ancient stories for many to hear all around him, he and his drum would speak in unison. The drums would aid them in remembering important people and events that took place.
Comparing To Other Music In Africa
There are many uses for the talking drums as discussed in the previous information. The talking drums are useful in that they have the ability to communicate ideas and news to neighboring villages and were able to do so prior to the creation of modern communication devices. Other music had other purposes, however, such as the Gnawa genre. The Gnawa genre consisted of of hand clapping, percussion and stringed instruments, and was thought to have healing powers when sang, thus this type of music was played at healing ceremonies.
Contact Information
Please be prepared for cash or credit, no checks accepted at this location, look for me, the guy on the left! (May or may not be with sandwich)
Email: 1633003@student.ucps.k12.nc.us
Location: 3404 Allenwood Road, Charlotte, NC, United States
Phone: (704) 693 2873
Facebook: Facebook.com/talkingdrums
Twitter: @Talkingdrums