water drum
Quick Summary
A water drum is a type of drum that is partially filled with water or has its body partly immersed in water. This addition of water can affect the instrument's tone quality.12
Water drums are found among various cultures, including Native Americans, where they can hold symbolic significance. For example, Anishnabe water drums are named "grandfather" and "little boy". These drums are classified as membranophones, meaning they produce sound when a membrane is struck.2
While the term "water drum" specifically refers to drums incorporating water, other types of drums exist, such as talking drums used for communication in Africa and Asia, and slit drums, which are idiophones (resonant solids) rather than membranophones.34
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Native American musicSouthern Cone…used in shamanic curing rituals, water drums, and bamboo stamping tubes played by Maká women. In the Misiones region, the Mbyá people use a guitar and striking-sticks to accompany their annual first fruits celebration. Performance contexts include shamanic rituals, harvest ceremonies, and life-cycle events.
Read More…used in shamanic curing rituals, water drums, and bamboo stamping tubes played by Maká women. In the Misiones region, the Mbyá people use a guitar and striking-sticks to accompany their annual first fruits celebration. Performance contexts include shamanic rituals, harvest ceremonies, and life-cycle events.
Read More- Native American musicChordophones
…some Eastern Woodlands peoples made water drums from maple syrup buckets, while others used wooden kegs. Peoples from the Northwest Coast have used metal gun barrels to create end-blown flutes, while the Wayana of South America have made flutes and horns from plastic pipe. By the late 20th century, many…
Read More…some Eastern Woodlands peoples made water drums from maple syrup buckets, while others used wooden kegs. Peoples from the Northwest Coast have used metal gun barrels to create end-blown flutes, while the Wayana of South America have made flutes and horns from plastic pipe. By the late 20th century, many…
Read More - Native American musicIndigenous trends from 1800
…songs are accompanied by a water drum and rattle; they feature a kind of strophic form, a fast tempo, and a somewhat tense and nasal vocal quality. Since they represent a form of prayer, the songs are performed in a quiet and reflective manner.
Read More…songs are accompanied by a water drum and rattle; they feature a kind of strophic form, a fast tempo, and a somewhat tense and nasal vocal quality. Since they represent a form of prayer, the songs are performed in a quiet and reflective manner.
Read More
