Djembes & Ashikos

The djembe was originally a rope tuned, goblet shaped drum with a skin head from West Africa. They are generally from 12-16 inches in diameter and 22-26 inches tall. The shell was traditionally carved from hardwood and the head was...

The djembe was originally a rope tuned, goblet shaped drum with a skin head from West Africa. They are generally from 12-16 inches in diameter and 22-26 inches tall. The shell was traditionally carved from hardwood and the head was made of untreated rawhide, usually goatskin. 

An ashiko is a similar, but the body shape is a truncated cone, rather than  a goblet. 

Many modern versions of these drums use fiberglass shells, artificial skins, and synthetic rope or hardware for tuning.