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: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
| Copyright: |
This file is licensed under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. |
| 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.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.