All musical instruments are authentic pieces imported directly from west Africa
(Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone.). The craftsmen who create them are descended from families who have produced the same artefacts from generations. They have mastered the techniques of selecting materials and building instruments through the years. Hear for yourself the unique sound that first echoed through Africa and now the world
The Tamani (or Tama) is a small double-sided drum from the Malinke ethnic group.
It is carved out of a single piece of wood, and covered with antelope or goatskin.
It is played positioned under the armpit, which allows the sound variations by modifying the pressure on the ropes while playing. It is played with one curved stick on one hand, while the other hand can touch the drum skin directly to modify the sound.
The multiple speech like sounds that can be heard from this instrument explains its nickname:The talking drum.
The instrument was used in villages to call upon people when important news was to be announced, and was also played in an orchestra with multiple Tamani. (Small bells attached around the edge rim to complement the patterns).
Played throughout west Africa, it can be found under different names.
The proposed version is from Guinea - west Africa - (Curved stick provided)
