{"id":11976,"date":"2025-03-24T16:10:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T20:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/?page_id=11976"},"modified":"2025-03-24T16:20:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T20:20:46","slug":"african-instruments-american-identities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/exhibits\/virtual\/beyond-drumming-african-musical-instruments\/african-instruments-american-identities\/","title":{"rendered":"African Instruments, American Identities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As African instruments and particularly drums have grown globally in popularity, it is not uncommon to find them in contexts largely unrelated to their original usage. The djembe<\/em>, for example, is an important West African instrument. In its original social context, the instruments are crafted by hand and djembefola<\/em> (djembe<\/em> masters) must study for years to develop correct technique and receive their communities\u2019 endorsement to perform on the instrument. In the 21st century, however, djembes<\/em> are also mass-produced and sold on a global scale. Used for anything from drum circles to music therapy, the djembe <\/em>represents well the potential for African instruments to become isolated from their original context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in the past half century, there have also been concerted efforts to bring African music to the United States in a way that it remains connected to its communities of origin and communities in diaspora. Black pride activists have embraced African traditions such as music-making to build community in the United States and create a feeling of connectedness to Africa. Educators focusing on cultural diversification have embraced African instruments both to connect to Africa itself but also with Black artistic traditions in the Americas. Finally, African performer-educators continue to develop new ways to spread their traditions abroad, whether through online lessons or creating schools where foreigners can study African instrumental traditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Objects in this Section<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Thumb Piano<\/strong>
Shona, Mozambique
#2000.08.E.1  \u25cf  Written by Seth Neitlich<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mbira<\/em>, commonly known as a thumb piano, is a popular instrument originating in Southeast Africa. They use a resonating chamber, such as a wooden box, stiffened leather, or even a large gourd, to amplify their delicate sound. The earliest historical evidence for mbiras<\/em> goes back to approximately 3,000 years ago. In addition to music, they can be played to induce trances and are used as a pathway to the spiritual world. The kalimba,<\/em> the westernized version of the mbira,<\/em> has been popularized across the world, most notably by the band Earth, Wind and Fire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Tube<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Gong<\/strong>
Senufo, Ivory Coast
#1998.04.E.45  \u25cf  Written by Esrom Ghirmay<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Senufo people live in parts of Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Their culture values farming, music, and craftsmanship. Iron gongs can have significant uses in religious and social activities, though this unique instrument was acquired by anthropologist Beverlye Hancock as an example of cultural heritage. Objects preserved in museums help safeguard the physical parts of African culture. Listen to this gong below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n