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You can see a full-sized version of each small photo on this site by clicking on them.
Select the instrument that you want to read about:-
The Balafon
The Djembe
The Kora
THE DJEMBE
The djembe is one of the oldest of the West African drums and probably the most popular. It has been used by generations of griots and jalis at least as far back as the great Mali Empire of Sundiata in the 13th century. It is mortar-shaped drum that is open at both ends. The head has a single membrane of domestic animal skin, usually goatskin, laced over it and is beaten with the bare hands. The body is carved from a hollowed trunk. Two metal sheets with iron rings can be added as resonators.
It produces three sounds, slap, tone, and bass. The djembe is used as a solo musical instrument; as an accompanying instrument for ceremonies and as a means of communication. The djembe drums range from simple forms to elaborate, ornate pieces bringing status and power to the owner.
A very informative article about the djembe can be found on the web on:-
Ismaela carves his djembe from a single piece of mahogany wood and oiled to create a porous structure suitable for long use. Goatskin is used for the head and he has his own weave for the cords. Tuning is done by tightening and loosening these cords.
