From the tribes of Ghana, West Africa, the traditional Kpanlogo drum is associated with the Kpanlogo music and dance of the Ga and Ewe tribes. The Kpanlogo is a member of the membranophone family of musical instruments, or shell covered with a vibrating stretched membrane or drumhead.
The Kpanlogo ensemble consists of a variety of percussion instruments, including the Kpanlogo in a variety of sizes, the Djembe and dunun drums, along with shekeres (shakers), metal bells. and cowbell.
The Kpanlogo drum head is usually made from raw antelope skin, but can also be made from cowhide or, less commonly, goat skin. Shaved antelope and cowhide heads sound nearly identical and provide a thick, strong drum surface. The skin is tightened and refined through the use of six wooden pegs. Through vigorous playing, the tonal pitch may drop slightly. The tuning pegs allow for easy correction by simply tapping the pegs with a rubber, wood or leather mallet (NEVER metal!) until the desired pitch is achieved.
The appearance of the Kpanlogo drum is very similar to that of the Conga drum. The Kpanlogo shell is carved from a single piece of wood, such as sustainably harvested Tweneboa or schwenoha wood. Each drum has detailed symbols, or adinkra, carved into the sides. Adinkra are visual representations of social, religious and moral attitudes and beliefs, and add a unique beauty to each drum.
It can be played using any technique similar to that of Conga or Djembe Drums. Using their traditional technique, the Ghanaian Ewe developed five different sound variations.
1. Bass: While holding your fingers firmly together, palms slightly cupped, bounce off the center of your head.
2. Tone – Hit the head with the index finger. At the same time, allow the third journal to contact the rim of the drum.
3. Strike: Again, with steady fingers, strike the drum head, while the top of your palm makes contact with the rim.
4. Mute: With steady fingertips, strike the drum and produce a “dead” sound with no pitch.
5. Muted Slap – Create a high-pitched crackle by placing the open palm of one hand on the drum head and “hitting” it with the other hand
The Kpanlogo is NOT designed to be played with sticks or drumsticks. Although the antelope skin used for the drum head is very tough, using objects to hit the drum can damage the head.
Maintaining the status of your Kpanlogo requires little effort on your part. Both the head and the body can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth (NEVER WET!). The oils from your hands, transferred as you play, should be adequate to keep the drum head supple. DO NOT use commercial cleaning products on either the head or the body of the drum, as this may damage the head or the finish of the body.
If the drumhead becomes excessively dry, for example if it is used infrequently for long periods of time, use a VERY LIGHT dressing of olive or other vegetable oil. Be meticulous in cleaning up ANY excess and be sure to remove any bandages that may drip onto the drum body. With proper use and care, your Kpanlogo drum should last a lifetime of drumming pleasure!