The basic design of the drums has virtually remained unchanged for thousands of years. Despite the variations in shape and all the changes brought about by the use of modern materials instead of traditional ones, the drum remained, in its essential lines, what it was 100 or 1,000 years ago: a membrane stretched over a carcass having the role of a resonance box.
The drums appeared millennia ago. On the walls of South American caves, traces have been discovered that indicate the use of drums in many aspects of everyday life, and by digging into archaeological sites on the territory of ancient Mesopotamia, scientists have found small cylindrical drums of about 5000 years.
Although musical instruments by excellence, it is less-known that the drums have sometimes performed other communication-related functions, such as the transmission of messages, which is one of the most interesting functions, anthropologically speaking. The language of the drums was mentioned for the first time in the eighteenth century, when European explorers in Africa learned about the way indigenous tribes communicated at long distances, with their drums. It was an entire language, rich and sophisticated, composed of certain repetitive patterns and specific sound associations, through which surprisingly complex and detailed messages could be transmitted easily, without the effort of walking through the jungle and reaching the place where the message had to be sent.
Another non-musical role of the drums was in the military field. Their penetrating sound has been used to mobilize the soldiers, urging them to attack. If you are looking for a nice set of drums or need drum repair look to your local music shop for services. Most have repair services as well as music lessons for the eager minded.
Original Post over here: Things You Never Knew About Percussion Instruments
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