Drums have great cultural heritage in Africa. Made from a wood frame and covered in animal skin, the different styles of drums have their own timber and sound. The most prized drums are made from goat skin, a covering that is durable and produces a deeper sound than cow hide.
Drums often accompany traditional dances in Africa. South Africa’s most famous indigenous tribe are the Zulu’s who still stand at a position of political and cultural strength. While traveling through Kwazulu-Natal, the traditional lands of the Zulu, we stopped at a cultural village for a performing arts show and a peak at Zulu customs and traditions. Of course the costumes were for show, but it was clear from the performance that the teenagers who ran the cultural village put their heart and soul into each dance and every beat of the drum.
I love this picture because the shape of the drums, and their etched designs remind me of a high school band from the U.S.- the two main South African tribes are inscribed on the drum face, while the stretched skin covering reminds me of Africa. I love the way the image so easily intertwines memories in my brain.
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IF YOU GO: We stopped at this cultural village after a visit to Huilhuilwe National Park.
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