How Do You Make African Talking Drums?
Talking drums are small hourglass-shaped drums that originated in West Africa. The drummer places the talking drum under one of his armpits and secures it with a short strap that goes over the shoulder. Different tones are made as the drummer squeezes the strings that connect to the two skin-covered heads of the drum, while striking it with his hands and a small stick. Experienced players can imitate the tones of speech, making an intelligible pattern that can be used to communicate messages. Although it was traditionally played only by men in West Africa, some African women performers now play the talking drum. With a few specific materials, you can build your own talking drum. Buy a shell from an African instrument supply store, or carve one if you are able. The drum shell is made of hardwood, about 12 inches long and hourglass-shaped with a diameter ranging from three to seven inches, though some talking drums are larger than this. The wood shell should be hollowed out to about 1/2
