Atumpan “talking” drum

Description:	Certain African drums are called “talking drums.” Skilled drummers can create such a range of sound from them that it seems as if they can speak. This drum, called “atumpan,” is a type of talking drum used by the Akan peoples of Ghana. They are usually played in pairs, or as part of a larger drum ensemble, and struck with two L-shaped drumsticks. Associated with royalty and people of prestige, atumpan drums are played by master drummers during special occasions, like the public appearance of a chief and ceremonies for communicating with ancestors. In processions, the drums are carried on the shoulders of men while the drummer beats the skin from behind.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/302
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	Ghana
Subjects:	Drum Akan (African people) Akan (African people)--Ghana--Social life and customs Ghana Musical instruments Percussion instruments

Further information on this record can be found at its source.