Slit Drum


Have you ever heard of an instrument talking? The Mangbetu slit drum is perhaps better described by its other name, the talking drum. The Mangbetu language is tonal and the drum is able to play different tones. Players are able to use the drum to mimic different tones and pitches used in the language. This means that the players can communicate through playing the drum. Drums communicate many types of important information in a community, such as births or deaths.