Djembe - Bi Nnka Bi

(larger image)		Description: Wonderful authentic Djembe drum from Ghana by Joseph Kwadjo Aboagye. The instrument's lower rim is decorated with one of the most popular adinkra symbols, Bi Nnka Bi, which means "Bite not one another." It represents togetherness and community spirit, sharing a message of harmony and group cooperation. Djembe drums originated in Senegal and Mali. Djem refers to the tree from which the drum's wood comes, while be means "goat," alluding to the goatskin that serves as the instrument's playing surface. Product item: 14193 Price:  $232.95 Shipping Weight: 22 pounds Dimensions:  12.6" Diam. x 23.6" H

To play, sit on the edge of a chair with ankles crossed, the top of the drum fitting neatly between the knees as the base of the drum rests behind the heels. This way the drum is angled away from the player. Sitting up straight with hands resting on the drum's playing surface, the wrists should become flat and this is the position to create the standard djembe sounds. Djembes produce three basic sounds: bass, tone, and slap.

BASS: With the hand flat and fingers together, place the hand at the dimension of two fists above the center of the playing surface. Allow the hand to strike and bounce back to the original position above the center.
TONE: This is the high-pitched sound produced by striking the top surface nearest the edge with firmly placed fingers.
SLAP: Strike the playing surface's edge first with the heel of the hand, and then allow the fingers to naturally bounce down towards the drum's center.

TESTAMONIALS
"I've had my amazing drum 'Bi Nnka Bi' by Joseph Kwadjo Aboagye for about two years now. It is my 4th (and only) djembe-and will definitely be my last-I couldn't ask for anything more in a drum!! It's incredible, and everyone who tries it - wants it!"
- Sally Timmons, USA