Mali
Mandinka

Jala wood, animal hide and hair, rope, rubber tube
Mid-Late 20th century
Height: 16 inches
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

This djembe drum was field collected by Jenna Haselton in South Africa. It was most likely used more as an old communication device to signal others from great distances, often in a network of drummers, relaying messages of urgency throughout the continent, or used as a musical instrument played in ensembles to accompany celebrations through singing and dancing.  This drum was not made for the commercial venders.  The origin of the djembe is believed to be associated with the Mandinka caste of blacksmiths, known as Numu, which dates back to the great Mali Empire of the 12th century. The djembe is also known as djenbe, jembe, sanbanyi, jymbe or yembe.  It is made from an single piece of wood and carved into the shape of a goblet that is hollow throughout while looped ropes secure the skin covering on the top. The drum is played with the hands. The carving on the bottom trunk of this djembe shows the face of an ancestor.