hand carved animals

Djembe drums originally come from West Africa and are skin-covered instruments with ropes that are used for different ceremonies. Ghanaian artisan Robert K. Ghartey designs this djembe drum crafted from tweneboa wood, goatskin, iron rings and woven cotton cords whose lower section features beautiful giraffe motifs carved by hand.

Robert K. Ghartey celebrates African musical traditions with this spectacular djembe drum. He carves it by hand from local tweneboa wood, which he decorates with the image of a proud lion overlooking his kingdom. Ghartey uses cotton twine for the upper part, which includes a goat hide drumhead secured by iron rings.

Sometimes artwork is so captivating it needs little else to sing its praise. This hand carved drum from Ghanaian artisan Samuel Okyere is just this type of work with its carvings of the West African wild that are sure to captivate. Made from tweneboa wood with goatskin head and polypropylene cord, this drum will entertain just as great as it will look.

A hand carved tiger prowling on a decorative ring forms the base of this handcrafted djembe drum designed by Daniel Asante of Ghana. The drum and tiger base are made of Tweneboa wood painted brown, with accents in dark red, cream, and blue on the tiger and base ring. Bull skin is used to create the drum head, held in place with an iron ring covered in red cotton. Black cotton cord accents the body of the drum and forms a carrying handle. The drum can be played and will also make an eye-catching conversation piece.

Beautiful and sonorous, this djembe drum depicts an African elephant. It comes from Daniel Asante's skill and imagination. Carved by hand, the pachyderm holds the cup-shaped drum in its back. Hand-woven kente cloth surrounds it. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macramé cord can be slung over the shoulder.

The djembe originated in Benin, where it is used during voodoo rites, and has been introduced into neighboring countries. It is indispensable in contemporary reggae.

The musical traditions of West Africa inspire Salihu Ibrahim in the colorful design of this djembe drum. Its name comes from the Malian language meaning "come together." This is one of the few types of drums played throughout the different West African communities, which tend to restrict the use of musical instruments to their own group. Ibrahim carves the djembe's goblet shape from tweneboa wood and details it with an elephant walking in the savannah. It features a goatskin drumhead that is played with the hands.