Fair Trade African Djembe Drum, "Wise Man"
Coming Back!
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
Pre-Order Now!
This item is available for pre-order and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
Ernestina Oppong infuses the acumen of Ghanaian culture into this handcrafted djembe drum. The moon and star form a duet known as Bosom na Nworaba, complemented by the nyansapow symbol, meaning "only a wise man can undo a wise knot." Traditionally a drum used in the voodoo rituals of Benin, this piece will certainly find a place in your musical repertoire.
Oppong combines a passion for carving with music, resulting in traditional instruments with contemporary flair. Tweneboa, a kind of hardwood, provides the body for the drum; its golden tone highlighting the engaging designs. Oppong applies shoe and mansion polish to enhance the wood's smooth, radiant appearance. Iron rod rings are attached to the mouth of the drum and wrapped with cotton to prevent rusting. Through these rings nylon ropes are double-woven, securely fastening the goatskin to the wood.
To play, sit on the edge of a chair with ankles crossed, the top of the drum fitting neatly between the knees as the base of the drum rests behind the heels. This way the drum is angled away from the player. Sitting up straight with hands resting on the drum's playing surface, the wrists should become flat and this is the position to create the standard djembe sounds. Djembes produce three basic sounds: bass, tone, and slap.
BASS: With the hand flat and fingers together, place the hand at the dimension of two fists above the center of the playing surface. Allow the hand to strike and bounce back to the original position above the center.
TONE: This is the high-pitched sound produced by striking the top surface nearest the edge with firmly placed fingers.
SLAP: Strike the playing surface's edge first with the heel of the hand, and then allow the fingers to naturally bounce down towards the drum's center.
- 6.20 kgs
- 13.7 lbs
- 64.8 cm H x 38.1 cm Diam.
- 25.5" H x 15" Diam.
Gift Info
- Email this item in advance of a gift.
- Email this item as a gift suggestion.
- Free Gift Wrap? No
- Premium Gift Wrap? No
Find Similar Items
Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
"Though carving has long been regarded as the preserve of men, I'm glad that I have been able not only to infiltrate but to also make an impact on the trade."
Latest Update"Prior to working with you, I was selling along the roadside, but now I am in my own shop. One thing I love about you is that you... read more