West African djembe drum with carving on base.
Djembe in Malinke means 'goat, 'tree' which describes the materials of which its traditionally made (single piece of hardwood for the body and an animal skin.) Drum used events and rituals. Central to musical heritage of the Malinke and Sousou people of Guinea in West Africa. Important part of oral traditionals and histories in Africa for thousands of years. Drums are played to herald and document weddings, births and deaths, to declare war and make peace, and to celebrate seasonal festivals. Players strike the drum in different places and using different techniques to make a different sounds. Verstile instuments that can produce a wide variety of sounds.