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Djembe
Mali
Made by Silama Traoré and Drissa Tounkara
1993
Canadian Museum of Civilization
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The instruments played by the hunters, which include
the djembe, are also used to produce the secular music intended for
young people and women. This music is heard during celebrations and is known
as kamalen n'goni. The djembe has a central role in the music of
the Malinke and Khassonke peoples, as well a in that of the sedentary Peul of
the Wassoulou region, who use the instrument to produce the music related to
the mythical antelope and the origin of agriculture, and to accompany the music
associated with work in the fields, Muslim religious holidays, rites of passage
(baptism, circumcision, marriage and funerals) and hunting. The djembe
comes in various sizes and is made from a single piece of hard wood. It is
carved in the shape of a goblet and covered with a goatskin that is held in
place by iron hoops tightened by ropes.
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