The History Of Drums

The idea of drums and percussion instruments is probably as old as the human race itself. The techincal term for a drum is membranophone. The oldest known drums are from 6000 BC.

Throughout history, drums have been used not only useful for producing rythm and music, but also a tool for communication by using signals. For example, the talking drums of Africa can sound almost like spoken language, imitating the inflections and pitch variations of voice, making them useful in communicating over great distances.

In Sri Lanka, drums have been used for communication between the state and the community for more than 2500 years. Japanese soldiers used Taiko drums to motivate troops and set the pace when marching, but also they were used to communicate orders or announcements.

Swiss mercenary soldiers used an early version of the snare drum, carried over the drummers right shoulder and suspended by a strap. This is the first instrument that the English word "drum" was known to be used.