|
History
of Chinese Drums
 Drums
are called the mother of all the Musical Instruments.
The
character for “drum” was first found in the inscriptions on bones and
tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty (BC 1562 - 1066). The oldest drum
found in China was made about 4000 years ago. They were found near the
Yellow River at a place called Taosi. It is made of clay. The crocodile
leather was covered on the ceramic frame. Then tree trunk was used.
The first brazen drum was made
in Shan dynasty (1700-1027 B.C.) At that time more than half of all
musical instruments were percussion instruments. In the history, various
kinds of drums have been made with different materials and many types,
including the leather drums, water drums, waist drums, hand drums, stone
drums, bamboo drums, elephant-leg drums (a drum on a pedestal shaped
like an elephant leg) and wooden drums, etc.
In China, red drums have always
been a symbol of the power of the ruler and the destiny of the army.
Drums were brought out whenever there were ceremonies or festivities,
weddings, funerals, all ceremonial occasions and even wars.
Now the drum is still using by
Chinese people as music instrument both in the theater and the outdoor
celebrations. It takes a special role in the Chinese Culture. Now some
people use the Chinese drums as table and stools in some houses. They
can be painted in different color as well. It provide a warm atmosphere
for the houses, witch is like both by the interior designers and owners.
About Beijing Drum Tower |
Link
To Antique Drums