The technology of Dừndứn drums in Yoruba culture

Abstract

Musical instruments, no matter what culture on earth they are found in, often represent the most complex technologicaldevelopment of that particular culture. For instance, Dừndứn drums are the most famous traditional drums in Yoruba culture. It is the principal and the most popular type of instrumental music in Yoruba culture. It has a key role in traditional events, celebrations and functions that are dear for the culture e.g.birth, naming, burial and funeral ceremonies. Dừndứndrum is used for various ceremonies because it is capable of producing music that is specific to an occasion. But what goes into its making that gives it such a potential? This paper thus attempts to discuss the origin, overall-shape, and construction, as regard the methods of attaching the skin to the body of frame of the drum, the tuning and the techniques of playing Dừndứn drums in Yoruba culture.