A talking drum is a beautiful instrument created by the Ashanti and Yoruba people of Ghana and Nigeria. The talking drum is also called a “waisted” drum because it has an hourglass shape with a “waist” in the middle.
Skins are stretched over the ends of the drum, and held in place by many cords. The drum heads at either end of the drum’s wooden body are made from hide, fish-skin or other membranes which are wrapped around a wooden hoop. Leather cords or thongs run the length of the drum’s body and are wrapped around both of the hoops. When the cords are tightened, the skin gets pulled tighter and the pitch of the drum gets higher. When the cords are relaxed, the pitch goes lower. The player must hold the drum between his upper arm and left side and use his arm to squeeze and relax the cords while he is striking the drum with a mallet in his right hand.
FUNCTIONS
The Talking Drum’s ability to imitate the tonal sound of language has made it superior to any of those drums that existed before it. It was purposefully invented to send messages. Since it can talk and sing, that is how it became a musical instrument.Today, the Talking Drum is still used for communication. It is used to tell history of the past, to teach people how to cope with the present and how to prepare for the future. Perhaps what makes the Talking Drum a unique drum is its ability to adapt to the tone of any musical instruments; I mean musical instruments of the universe. It fares well in jazz, blues, R&B, rock and roll, reggae, classical music and even choral music. The Talking Drum is very beautiful visually and can be used to decorate the home. It is a reflection of the African family life. Most importantly, in present day settings, it can be used for interior decor, usually hung on the wall, giving your living room that unique Afican touch.The drum is shaped like an hourglass with two heads of same size and shape.
The drum heads (Awo oju ilu) of the talking drum cover both ends are traditionally made from animal hide, fish-skin or other membranes which are wrapped around a wooden hoop
Leather thongs (Osan) run the length of the drum and are connected to both hoops
The talking drum is struck with a slightly hooked stick and with the fingers of the free hand
It has a tightening rope (Idele) used for fine tuning the sound of the drum
Has a leather strap called “Apa” used for positioning the drum on one’s shoulder
A black ring on the edge.
What should you consider when purchasing talking drums?
Getting excited what musical instrument to choose? Well, you have to carefully analyze first the things that you should know before buying any of item that you will be purchasing.
Check the Drum Heads
Some heads are synthetic and animal-made skin so it depends upon the percussionist whether what type of material that she or he wants for his/her drum. An animal made skin will definitely produce traditional and deep sounds while a synthetic one might have a clasp and high pitch.
Take a Look at the Cords
Check the cords whether these were made using a nylon or a synthetic material. Both of these materials are water resistant and versatile hence, any of these might be good in choosing a talking drum’s cords.
Try Hitting and Squeezing the Talking Drum
You may visit a store and have a try on their drums so that you will have a better understanding as to its sounds. You may also listen to a video clip to know how the sounds produce.
Observe its Appearance
Well, this is a matter of a personal judgment since you will compare which talking drums you will like, let’s say the classical or a modernized one. This is a self-based preference so any of which as long as the buyer is satisfied as to the outlook and style of the musical instrument.
The talking drum is a very enjoyable percussion instrument with a sound very familiar to an west african audience. You can buy one in Nigeria right here
INDOORSTRY 