Mali
Mandinka

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

In history, the Mandinka of Manden became the Malinke of Mali. We often refer to them as the Mandé.  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.   Some say the name of the djembe came from the Bamana in Mali, who said “Anke dje, anke be” to call their people together. This saying translates as “everyone gather together” – “Dje” means gather and “be” means everyone.  A close-up pictures shows the hand carving of this goblet- shaped drum.