Drum Carving Program at the Accra Artisans Exchange

While all students in the drum-carving track will finish the program with a drum that is uncompromising
in the quality of its sound and artistry, the size of the drum and detailing of the drum base will depend
on the student's experience and ability in working with the materials and tools. The carver you work
with will assess your experience and skill-level and work with you at an appropriate level.

On the first day of the program, there is an orientation session, where each drum is introduced in detail with
emphasis on its construction, its history, and how it is played. Students are also treated to a cultural display,
performed by drummers and dancers from the Art Center. Each drum is played in solo and as part of an ensemble,
highlighting its unique sound. Students then get together individually with the carver they will be working with to
decide on the drum they intend to carve, and charter out an initial course for the carving.

KPALONGO
This drum originates from the Ga ethnic group on the southern coast of Ghana. Today, the
kpanlogo is used extensively by all Ghanaian ethnic groups and also in the world-famous highlife
music that developed in the mid 20th century in Ghana and eastern parts of Nigeria. It is a peg drum
and is made with either antelope, goat, or cow skin. The kpanlogo can be played solo, and also as
part of an ensemble, where three drums are played simultaneously - one "asking questions,"
another "answering the questions," and the last "counter-questioning."

Djembe
This drum originates from the Mali Empire of West Africa (800-1500 AD) - what is today Mali,
Coite d'Voire, Guinea, Senegal and Burkina Faso - and is probably the most famous of the
West African drums. It is made with either goat skin or cow skin. Its versatility and wide range of
tones make it unique among percussion instruments and it is found in many traditional as well
as modern rhythms. The djembe can be played solo or as part of an ensemble.

Dundun
The dundun also originated in the Mali Empire and is now also found in many parts of South
America. It is often played in ensemble with the djembe, comlementing it with its deep sound.
The dundun is a cylindrical bass drum, made with cow skin, and is laid horizontally when played.
It comes in three sizes and the three are usually played together, stacked on top of one
another.

TALKING DRUM
The original name of this drum is ATOMPAN and it comes from the Akan ethnic group of Ghana. The
Akan language is a pitch language where the same word said in different pitches (high, low, or medium),
conveys different meaning. The talking drum can be played to emulate these different pitches, and
experienced drummers can actually "speak" through drumming. There are male and female talking drums
- the male has a low pitched tone and the female, a high pitched tone. Traditionally, talking drums are
used in communicating messages from the royal family to the community. Talking drums are also used in
telling stories and appellations to the chiefs.