drums of the world – trommeln der welt
The drums you can see on this drum museum website are part of a larger collection which is unique in Germany.
In the future the entirety will be housed in a permanent display with public access in order to help people understand the worldwide significance of drums.
The collection with its many artifacts creates a connection among cultures around the world.
There are around 400 drums and slit gongs from more than 150 distinct cultures.
In traditional societies, drums serve purposes that reach beyond their
use as musical instruments. The use of the drums, their sound and
appearance reflect societal world view, tradition and history.
The diversity of drums is manifested in their usage. There are talking
drums, holy drums, drums to accompany work, status drums, drums for
festivities, for accompanying dance, drums of healers and shamans, drums
related to ancestor worship, secret societies and initiation rites...
In many cultures drums escort people from birth to death and beyond.
Their significance becomes apparent not only in the sophisticated musical styles, but also externally, in the myriad forms of body shape, drum skin attachment and decoration.
In many African cultures drums served as symbols of royal presence and power.
In Ankole (Uganda) it went so far as the royal drums having their own cattle herds, servants and milk carafes which were refilled daily.
Visitors to the courts of the Timi of Ede, Nigeria were announced by talking drums, and the regent himself used a talking drum to give commands to his servants.
The diversity of drums is manifested in their usage. There are talking drums, holy drums, drums to accompany work, status drums, drums for festivities, for accompanying dance, drums of healers and shamans, drums related to ancestor worship, secret societies and initiation rites...
