For the African culture music is at the heart of their social experience. Whether for religious, ceremonial, ritual or recreational the melodic beats and melodies are believed to connect the spirit domain with the present. These musical ritualized events help the listener, enter a trance like state so they can better connect with the spirit or natural worlds.
Most of the melodies associated with African musical instruments are within scales of four through to seven tones. Their designs are numerous, deep carved, painted, beaded, adorned with hides and sculptural in nature. The designs often convey the religious belief, creative style and performance practises of the maker. The most favoured musical instruments in Africa are from the percussion family.
There is something quite memorising about these instruments, the resonant quality of the djembe (African drum played with the palm and fingers), the mbira (thumb piano) this instrument is designed and played in a variety of differing ways depending on local tribal culture. It is generally used in the performance of spiritual ceremonies. The sansa (another thumb piano) have iron keys and a u-shaped bridge. The number of keys depends on the ethnic group and the variety of designs differs from region to region. Other popular African percussion instruments are the balafon,bells, rattles, friction sticks, and clappers.
These authentic African musical instruments are completely hand made of calabash gourds and shells or sandcast beads. A popular instrument they are used extensively throughout all of Africa. They produce a muted shaker sound that can be either very subdued or very loud. This instrument is sure to bring the sound of Africa to your home! Each shakera is a unique, handmade instrument and may vary slightly from the photo. These shakaras are 8 to 11 inches high, 4 to 6 inches wide, and covered with beads or small shells.
Medium sized Djembe drum. Drums are a traditional African musical instrument. The entire instrument is hand made. The drum surface is animal hide/skin and the base is made of sturdy carved wood, encircled with plain or braided rope. Some have designs etched into the base, as well as fabric trim along the top. These drums are popular in reggae and other cultural musical productions. In West Africa, nearly all ceremonies are accompanied by the timeless and distinctive melody of drums. IMPORTANT NOTE: The drum shown is typical of these medium sized Djembe drums, but each drum is a separate craft item and will vary slightly from the photo. Drums are approximately 16-18 inches tall, and 8-10 inches in diameter. Made in Mali.
