Drum (communication)

:For other kinds of drums, see drum (disambiguation).

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Often invented and used by cultures living in forested areas, drums served as an early form of long distance communication, as well as during ceremonial and religious functions. Popular movies often portray natives pounding on hollow logs, however most drums are carved from hardwoods into carefully tuned resonators, and often richly decorated as totemic animals.

Related Topics:
Culture - Forest - Communication - Ceremonial - Religious - Movies - Log - Hardwood - Totem

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There are different communication drum types,

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although they are all commonly known in Central Africa as "talking drums" or "message drums" and are capable of producing different tones as well as rhythms. They are used in regions which possess tonal languages, and the tone and beat of the drum message mimics that of actual speech. However, because this does not uniquely specify particular words, the words are combined into stereotyped phrases which unambiguously communicate a particular meaning. Because of this, a drum message is usually considerably longer than the spoken equivalent.

Related Topics:
Africa - Tone - Rhythm - Tonal language - Stereotype - Phrase

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Under ideal conditions, the sound can be understood at 8 km (5 miles), but interesting messages usually get relayed on by the next village. "The talking drums" or "jungle drums" is also a euphemism for gossip - similar to "the grapevine".

Related Topics:
Km - Mile - Euphemism - Gossip - Grapevine

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