Wood djembe drum, 'Agoro'

The warm grain of tweneboa wood is carefully carved into a handsome djembe drum by Nana Adu Amankwapam I. Smooth and volutuous, it stands on a base covered with rhythmic waves. Black cotton ropes add visual interest, and also serve to tighten the drumhead. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� cord can be slung over the shoulder. The djembe originated in Benin, where it is used during voodoo rites, and has been introduced into neighboring countries such as Ghana. Amankwapam names this original piece Agoro, which means "play" in the Akan language. This sort of drum is often played at festivals.