22 September 2013

How to Paint a Tonga Drum


Here is a drum from northern Zimbabwe being decorated in the traditional patterns and colours.

Everyone gathers round to lend a hand to mix the red oxide, charcoal and white clay, which are the hallmarks of the Tonga drum.

The logs to the left are going to be used shortly, to build a new house. The pointed ends will be driven into the ground to form walls.

The Zambezi river flows along in the valley behind the house. It is the village water supply.

This is a marvelous illustration of African self-sufficiency, which is entirely unavailable in Western urban culture.