Medium: Canvas, wood, rope

Dimensions: 42” x 14”

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Original Atabaque from Bahia, Brazil. Its shell/body is constructed like a barrel but its shape might best be described as conical with a bulge. The drum shell is comprised of seven wooden staves that are coopered together with five metal bands. The membrane is pelt from a cow with the fur still completely intact. The membrane is lapped around a stiff hoop slightly larger in diameter than the opening in the shell that it covers. Hemp rope zig-zags from the head hoop to a metal tension ring (or counter hoop) near the base of the shell. This ring is sufficiently larger in diameter than the drum shell at that point, allowing for eight wedges (cunha) to be driven between it and the shell (atabaques using this mechanism are referred to as atabaque cunha, or ‘wedge atabaque’). Atabaques can also utilize a tension control mechanism involving several pegs puncturing the shell in a circle just below the head. In lieu of a foot the drum rests on a metal tripod ring-frame.

Player - Instrument Interface and Sound Production

Atabaques are played with sticks, with hand and stick, or with the hands alone, depending on the particular musical tradition. The drummer is usually standing when playing. Before playing the drummer can adjust the head tension by pounding on the wedges.

Origins/History/Evolution

The atabaque is derived from West and Central African drums the knowledge of which was carried to Brazil by slaves between the 16th and 19th centuries.