Drum

This is a tall drum made out of a hollow tree trunk (about 5" high) with a skin membrane at the top only, the bottom is open. It is cut from the trunk of the Mukaau (Melia Volkensii Guire) tree with an axe by the young man who wishes to use it. The hole through the middle is cut with a "Thia". The skin of a goat or wild animal is stretched across the top when wet tied with one string (which is removed) and fixed with nails. This is also used by young men when dancing a dance called Mwinziro which is danced only at night by young men and girls. Once married they no longer dance that dance. It is said to keep the rhythm of the dance and to attract the girls by the young mans playing ability. Such drums are usually never sold. Made and kept by the owner because he knew the information.