Talking Drum
Jonathan Painter
History of the Talking Drum
The talking drum is a West African Hourglass drum whose pitch can be regulated to mimic the tone and prosody of human speech. The Talking Drum first originated in the Ghana Empire. These Hourglass instruments are some of the oldest instruments in History.
Cultural Significance of the Talking Drum
The talking drums did not only convey a message through the music, but, the music was used to communicate between towns. This communication was similar to how letters and cell phones have allowed communication. It is said that the talking drums were also used in communication in Europe during the slave trades to warn towns of the slave traders.
Construction of the Talking Drum
Talking drums are a type of membranophone. Unlike many drums used in America, talking drums have a drum head on both sides. The drum takes the shape of an hourglass and has strings that connect the two drum heads.
Reasons someone would buy a Talking Drum
1. Would be a good historical artifact to own. To own something that was significant to many people in history.
2. A way of transferring sound to actual words. The instrument is so unique in that the sound the drum makes can transfer to lyrics and words.
3. A unique instrument that has a good beat. Also the Talking Drum is a drum that, like all other instruments, can make good music.