Instrument Family: Membranophone

Bata Drums

By Olavo Alen Rodriguez and Jon Griffin The batá drums are the sacred instruments of Cuban Santería. They are made up of three hourglass-shaped drums of different sizes that perform specific musical functions. Their main religious function is that of establishing a medium between the believers of Santería and the God, or Orishas, that they beckon…. Continue Reading

Cuban bongos

Cuban Bongo By Olavo Alén Rodríguez © 2009 Jon Griffin This Cuban musical instrument was born in the context of the complex musical styles that pertain to the Son, in the mountainous regions of the eastern extreme of the country. It consists of two small drums, of different sizes, held together by a strap or… Continue Reading

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