Sangbai Drum

The sangbai drum is found throughout Sierra Leone and takes various forms. Sangbai is the Susu name of the drum, although it is also known as yimbei (Koranko), jimberu (Fula) and other names. It is a wooden drum, more or less conical in shape, has one drumskin at the wider end while being open at the other end, and is played with the hands, not with a stick or sticks. They are usually laced. The sangbai is often fitted with a rattling extension. They are usually played by men. This example has the remnants of three rattles attached round the rim, which would have sounded when the drum was played.

Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Sangbai Drum
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Kuranko
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1973
  • Associated Places: Ramdu Village (place collected)
  • Associated People: Mr. Momoh Bangura, Freetown (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1973.02.05

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