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Drum (iya’lu dundun)
Yoruba
peoples, Nigeria
Mid to late 20th century
Wood, hide, cloth, brass bells
National Museum of African Art, gift of Ambassador and Mrs. Benjamin Hill
Brown, Jr., 74-9-14
This instrument is considered the most important drum by the Yoruba, who call it iya, literally, “the mother.” It is played in almost any situation that requires music, mimicking spoken Yoruba speech tones. The varying sounds are obtained by holding the drum under the arm and squeezing the tension strings while striking the membrane with a curved stick. The bells also add sound.
What you’ll hear:
An iya’lu dundun drum ensemble performs at a Yoruba wedding.
“Esikesi” from Yoruba Drums of Benin, West Africa (catalog #SF 40440) Courtesy Smithsonian Folkways Recordings