|
|
Three rada drums
Haiti
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Video Excerpt
|
|
|
Rada drums are associated with the three religious
rites of rada, petro and congo. So is the flute, which is used
to call the Loà, the divinities invoked during voodoo ceremonies.
The drums are sacred instruments, and their construction must end with a
benediction to ensure the quality of their sound and the effectiveness of their
role as mediators. After invoking Legba, the Loà who opens the
door to the entire voodoo pantheon, drum makers pour some clairin (rum)
on the ground and the skins of the drum. They then make signs over the skins
with a lighted candle and recite the following benediction: "Marie drum,
you were a great tree in the forest. Forgive me for cutting you down, but I
did it with respect. I brought you near my caye (home), where I hollowed
you out with all the skill and experience I have acquired, to make you a drum.
I ask that you resonate with a beautiful sound each time that someone beats you,
from this moment on."
|
