West African Kingdoms 500-1590: Arts Research Article from World Eras

This Study Guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of West African Kingdoms 500-1590.

West African Kingdoms 500-1590: Arts Research Article from World Eras

This Study Guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of West African Kingdoms 500-1590.
This section contains 300 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the West African Kingdoms 500-1590: Arts Encyclopedia Article

Dundun Drums. In his book on Yoruba drumming, Akin Euba explains that dundun drums mimic human speech, specifically Oyo or standard Yoruba dialect, thereby making the speech of the drums comprehensible to all Yoruba. Thus, the drums communicate proverbs, poetry, satire, and social commentary through actual words, not as code. Presenting a compelling argument for dating the beginning of the Yoruba dundun tradition to around the fourteenth century, Euba explains that memorized drum texts form a cumulative body of knowledge that serves as source materials for other literary forms and performance arts. Dundun drummers are particularly adept at speaking in proverbs that are relevant to particular contexts. In fact, as Euba points out, drum proverbs are used to elicit audience participation.

Akan Horns. Also known for their "talking drums," the Akan use ceremonial horns, Mmintia, to communicate in a language understood by Akan...

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This section contains 300 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the West African Kingdoms 500-1590: Arts Encyclopedia Article
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