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This is a master drummer I happened to meet on my last day in Benin. He comes from a traditional family of musicians and artists and was gracious enough to show me some of his traditonal instruments and even played for a bit.... a tease of what is to come when I return.
This particular drum is a clay version of the typical large calabsh drums used for a style called "tchingoume" which is popular in Togo and Benin. It is played by slapping the opening with a flimsy piece of leather (or a cut up piece of flip-flop!!) and the result is an awesome bass sound.
Painted on the drum is the symbol of the infamous King Glele, one of Dahomey's most respected rulers of the past.
Agbomey, Benin, March 2009
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