Kayamba :: Around The World From 80 Countries

The Around the World exhibition at the Benton County Historical Museum contains two musical instruments from Africa:  a talking drum from Nigeria, and an adeudeu string instrument from Uganda. The museum's Horner Collection also contains another instrument found in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and other places in East Africa-- the kayamba. Two rafts of reeds or grass stems lashed together with cord are separated by slats of wood.  The space between is filled with seeds or pebbles.  The musician holds kayamba with the rafts parallel to the ground and slides it back and forth, causing the seeds to rattle.  Many also beat their thumbs on the flat side to create an additional rhythm. Depending on the area, the kayamba was used to accompany a dance to drive out a witch, cure illness, as part of a girl's initiation ceremony. In Mozambique, where this one is from, women use kayambas to amuse babies. 

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon

Buddhist Objects :: Around The World From 80 Countries

Zen Buddhist monasteries in Japan, use fish drums (mokugyo) to keep time while chanting religious texts. The sound also helps keep meditators alert, so has been called “the wakeful drum.”  The fish is a symbol of wakefulness as fish never close their eyes, even when sleeping.  A slow beating of the drums also accompanies funeral processions.

 

The drum is hollow and has a handle on top which is carved to resemble fins. Fish scales are hand-carved on the body.  An inscription painted on it reads, “Donated by Oono Hisakazu as an offering of thanks for granting my wish.”  It is common in Buddhism for lay petitioners to ask deities for help or a boon during times of need.  If the requested outcome occurs, then it is customary to proffer thanks by making a gift to a local monastery.

  

In Korea, the Buddhist monasteries use copper or brass cymbals to mark time and expel evil spirits.  The two cymbals are tied together by means of an “auspicious knot.”

 

 By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon