Description
The Ngoma drum, a freestanding wooden drum that comes in various shapes and sizes, is an important part of the emotional connection between the physical body and the emotional spirit in African drumming traditions. Ngoma drums are widely in use for many different rituals and celebrations today in Africa and around the world.
The term 'Ngoma' is, in definition, translated as 'drum.' The Ngoma has also been referred to as 'Engoma.' Queen Marimba, an African folk hero and god, is said to have been the creator of many African instruments including the Ngoma drum. Folklore states that the original Ngoma was created by an old mortar. The bowl was worn through, and rather than throw it away it was given to the Queen. The Queen attached an animal skin to the top of the mortar and around the body, therefore creating the first drum. Since that time, the Queen's tribe and their decedents have had the rhythm of the drum as a constant presence. The Ngoma is still a large part of the day-to-day life of certain groups in Africa, in particularly the Baganda tribe.
Drum Specifications:
- Average 15" playable surface, 46" tall
- One solid piece of Legally Harvested, Environmentally Sustainable Mahogany Logwood
- Comes with professional padded drum straps to secure the drum while you play
- Drum beaters included
- Thick cow skin head produces rich, rolling bass tones.
- 3 carved feet opens the base optimal projection of tones
- Lathe turned for uniform thickness
- Built-in groove that is custom fitted to lock the ring/tuning system into place
- Shells are kiln dried with up to 20 coats of teak oil to protect and preserve the wood.
- Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5 mm Rope Runners with Handle
- Free Shipping!
Please note that each drum is hand-carved, by master carvers, and sizes will tend to slightly fluctuate. No two drums are exactly alike which makes each one a unique work of art.
Need help tuning? Watch our video, How to Tune a Djembe.
Traditional Ngomas are long and narrow, occasionally with carved feet for the drum to rest on the floor. The drummer can also walk and carry the drum using straps to secure it in position.
Drumming on the Ngoma is similar to the beats you produce when using a Conga. The drummer uses their hands to drum or alternates with sticks to create different beats. Open slaps and finger strikes create sounds when coupled with other drums.
Steeped in tradition, the Ngoma Drum has survived generations in Africa and is still considered a heritage drum across the world. The sounds of history have been played on its smooth head.
