The role of the drummer in Akan society

Abstract

Drumming is widely enjoyed in all Akan communities of the Gold Coast, but unlike singing, the performers are fewer than might be expected, for the art of drumming requires skill and perfection which only a few attain. Moreover opportunities of drumming and learning to drum are not open to all. In social life all the important forms of drumming are carried on by individuals or groups of individuals selected from the male section of various Akan communities. Women do not drum as a rule, first because drumming is strenuous, and second because in the past it was thought that a woman might defile the drums, particularly those of the state, since some of the important drums, like other things, were not to be touched by a woman in her monthly period. The only drums that women were allowed to play and still do play are the donna drums which are used during the celebration of puberty rites for girls.

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