African Instruments

Idiophones

This photograph features several different idiophones, such as bells, rattles, slit log drum and music box. The double prong bell is called Gangkogui rattles are called Axatse. The triple prong bell is a special designed Gangkogui. The slit log drum is a Baluba style. The Yoruba three foot single bell is called Agogo, and the music box is called Adaka in Ghana.

This photograph features the music box as well as Adenkum which is a thin elongated gourd with a hole in the bottom that the Ashanti women of Ghana play.  Also featured is the Ashanti slit pea shaped bell called Dawuro by Akan people.

Membranophones

The principle instruments of the Ewe drum ensemble are Sogo, Kidi and Kagan (reading from left to right). These drums are made from slats of wood that are bound with metal bands.

The Sakara, Dali and Sakara drums are featured in this photograph. A Sakara a bodyless drum, in actuality, a skin affixed to a frame of baked clay. These drums of various sizes are played primarily by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin. The Dali is a small calabash drum with a lizard skin that is affixed by small broad headed tacks. This instrument is popular among the Lobi  people of Ghana.

Atimevu is the master drum of the Ewe ensemble of Ghana. In this photo, the drum is painted. The Atimevu is played with a stick and hand combination, or two sticks. It actually speaks to the other drums of the ensemble telling them what to play as well as telling the dancers what steps to execute.

Three different drums are featured in this photograph. They are Gorong Yeguel (Wolof), Sabaro Mandinka, and Djimbe.

There are many more drums of Africa. Watch site for more instruments of Africa.

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