How Irie Tones
Djembes are Made
In this section you will find an extensive photo gallery with step-by-step
descriptions of how your authentic Irie Tones djembe is made. We find
the entire creative process facinating, from how the wood is selected
to how the skin is shaved. Making a drum by hand is an extremely time
consuming and physically arduous task, often undertaken while working
on extremely hot and humid environment. We hope this page helps you gain
a better undersanding and appreciation of your new hand-made African product!
Step 1 |
The Materials |
X People
- X Minutes |
Raw
materials come from the market, the bush, and overseas, and
are all selected for quality and suitabilty for drum making.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Harvest drum wood... |
Dry drum wood... |
...dry
drum wood... |
Step 3 |
The Rings |
X People - X Minutes |
The welder fastens
3 metal rings around each djembe, using an old but functional
welding device.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Step 4 |
The Artwork |
X People - X Minutes |
The wood carvers
handcarve various designs into the base and belly of the drum.
Each one is unique and demonstrates the personality of the
individual artist. This step is very time consuming and detailed
- an effort you'll value for the beauty and elegance added
to your drum.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Step 5 |
The Stains and Oils |
X People - X Minutes |
Black, brown, or
clear stains are applied to the shell, enhancing its beauty
and artwork.
|
|
 |
 |
Brown/clear
stains and oils... |
Step 6 |
The Bearing Edge |
| X People - X Minutes |
Before
the rope and head are installed the drummakers prepare the
surface against which the leather head tightens (bearing edge).
The rim is made precisely level, then rounded to protect the
skin and make playing more comfortable for you. Finally, the
rim is sanded down to remove any sharp points or splinters
that may damage the skin.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Step 7 |
The Rope |
X People - X Minutes |
First, loops are
wrapped around the crown and base rings. Our drummakers use
continuous loops (as opposed to spaced loops like most other
rope-tension djembes), for even distribution of rope tension.
Second, the is loosely woven through the loops, creating the
verticals.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Step 8 |
The Skin |
X People - X Minutes |
After inspecting
the skin for holes and tears, soaking it in water, and removing
any loose facia, the skin is ready to be installed. The skin
is wrapped between the head ring and crown rings, and light
tension is applied by pulling the vertials. The drummaker
pays special attention to the equal distribution of tension,
and the horizontal relative position of the rings around the
drum. The skin is then allowed to dry completely before full
tension is applied.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Skin being shaved
1... |
Skin being shaved
2... |
Step 9 |
The Tension |
X People - X Minutes |
After
the skin has been installed, dried, and shaved, it is ready
for full tension to be applied...
|
|
Pulling
verticals 1... |
Pulling verticals
2... |
Pulling verticals
3... |
Step 10 |
From Africa to You! |
X People - X Minutes |
After
the drum has been made, it is well packaged for export to
the United States or elsewhere. In a matter of days it can
be in your hands, ready for play at the drum circle, campfire,
or recording studio!
|
|
Unpackage
1... |
Unpackage 2... |
Unpackage 3... |
|
SHOPPING CART
