They were used on the middle passage in forcing Africans to exercise , preserving them for slave labour, and the Akan drum may have reached Virginia in this manner. Appropriating musical instruments for coercive means, however, allowed them to circulate as cultural resources for Africans.
What is the significance of the Akan drum?
The drum is a reminder of all three continents' involvement in the estimated twelve million people transported across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the transatlantic slave trade . The drum is normally displayed in Room 26, the North American gallery, in the British Musueum.
What was the drum used for in ancient Africa?
Traditionally, the drum was the heartbeat, the soul of most African communities. Drums have been an intrinsic part of African life for centuries and for countless generations, an ancient instrument used to celebrate all the aspects of life . In Western culture drumming is, most often, about entertainment.
Why was the Akan drum banned?
[slaves] formerly on their Festivals were allowed the use of Trumpets after their fashion, and Drums made of a piece of a hollow Tree. But making use of these in their wars at home in Africa, it was thought too much inciting them to Rebellion, and so they were prohibited by the Customs of the Island .”
Why did slaves use drums?
Slaves and Communication:
Beginning in West Africa and spreading to the Caribbean and America, slaves used drums as a way to communicate for hundreds of years . Communication drums, or talking drums, were specially crafted to create a variety of loud tones that could be heard from several miles away.
Where does the Akan drum originate?
This drum originated in West Africa and was collected in Virginia probably between 1730 and 1745. It was probably brought from Africa to America on the middle passage of a slave-trading voyage.
What role did the Akan drum play in Asante culture?
Drums played a vital role in Akan culture, not only as musical instruments at times of celebration, but also as a form of communication . The Akan drum was a ‘talking drum'. Skilled drummers could replicate the tones, punctuation and accents of the Akan language in order to send messages from village to village.
What do drums symbolize in Africa?
In much of Africa, drums are considered to symbolize and protect royalty , which often leads to their being housed in sacred dwellings. They can also be considered as a primitive telephone, since drums are also used to communicate with tribes that are miles and miles away.
What are the top 10 benefits of playing an African drum?
- Reduce Stress. Playing drums can relieve frustration, disappointment, and stress. ...
- Increase Academic Performance. ...
- Boost Brain Power. ...
- Develop Confidence. ...
- Improve Communication Skills. ...
- Be a Global Citizen. ...
- Make New Friends. ...
- Play Cool Instruments.
What does Djembefola mean?
djem·be. (jĕm′bĕ) A goblet-shaped hand drum of West African origin . [French djembé, from Mande jenbe.]
Where did the akans migrate from?
Akan people are believed to have migrated to their current location from the Sahara desert and Sahel regions of Africa into the forest region around the 11th century. Many Akans tell their history as it started in the eastern region of Africa as this is where the ethnogenesis of the Akan as we know them today happened.
What are the names of the African drums?
- Djembe. The djembe is the most well-known African drum around the world. ...
- Dundun (Talking Drum) The dundun's body is shaped like an hourglass and has a number of ropes or strings stretched from top to bottom. ...
- Bata. ...
- Bougarabou.
What does the talking drum sound like?
Most talking drums sound like a human humming depending on the way they are played. Similar hourglass-shaped drums are found in Asia, but they are not used to mimic speech, although the idakka is used to mimic vocal music.
Did slaves have drums?
In America, slaves played drums of all shapes and sizes in the tradition of both eastern and western Africans . The drumbeat not only accompanied chants and dances, but was also used to send messages. By striking and holding the drum in certain ways, drummers could replicate tones of speech almost exactly.
What replaced the African drums when they were banned?
To accompany celebrations after the banning of their drums, the Africans turned to bamboo cut to different lengths and then beat on the ground to form bands called tamboo bamboo , from tambour”, French for drum.
What did slaves do on their day of rest?
Most slaves had to work from sunrise to sunset . Some owners made their slaves work every day, others allowed slaves one day a month off and some allowed their slaves to have Sundays as a rest-day. Slaves would spend their non-forced working time mending their huts, making pots and pans and relaxing.
