How Do You Make a Djembe Drum?
The Djembe drum originated in Africa, where it is still used today. Originally, it was produced and used by a class of blacksmiths known as Numu. For some 2,000 years, they migrated around the continent, so the djembe is now found all over Africa. A true handmade djembe is believed to contain three spirits inside it. One belongs to the maker, one to the tree from which the drum is made, and the third to the animal whose skin forms the drum head. Also called a “jembe,” these drums are now produced commercially and can be purchased at just about any music store. However, the original drums were crafted by hand, and you can make one of your own if you have a little time and effort to put into it. Soak the drum head. The goatskin drum head is like rawhide and has to be softened before it will be pliable enough to stretch over the shell of the drum. Place it flat in a tub of warm water for two hours, or until it is soft. Put a thin line of glue along the top of the drum shell. Place the wet
