congaplace.com

I am giving a short course on certain hand drums to some eleven and twelve year olds. I like to give accurate info were possible but as many have seen info varies from person to person. Does anyone know of a site that gives relatively correct historical info on the origin of these four drums. Bata, bongo, conga, and most important because I have the least amount of info the tamborra (Dominican).
I was told by an older Cuban fellow that the bongo actually originated from plantation owners cutting the cerimonial Bata drums in half to discourage the religion of the slaves. Is this accurate or just folklore?
I probably have enough info on Bata and Conga, but if someone could help me out with Bongo and Tambora I would appreciate it. History is not my strong point. Thanks

As far as BONGOS are concerned, Trevor Salloum has some thorough background information on their history in his book "Beyond the Basics -Bongo Drumming" (MelBay).
If I´ve got more time, I can write down the most important pieces of information for you.
I don´t the bit about cutting batas, but I think it´s really difficult to gain reliable information on percussion instruments, apart from some spots here and there.(Rebecca Mauléon had a good article on the clave, e.g., and its musical, cultural/historical meanings).

Thanks Mike. I've been able to get enough info searching the web.
I would be interested if anyone else has heard that bongo-bata story. It seemed possible, just not sure how probable. Any of the old guard care to comment? What the heck, folklore can be more fun than facts as long as we don't confuse the two.

Hi Bill -

I can't give you any information directly but you should try to chase down:

Dr. Joseph H. Howard. Drums in the Americas.
Oak Publications - New York. 1967 - LOC 67-15826.

As I remember, Howard was from Venezuela and was of mixed blood (African-American, East Indian, European). I think he was a dentist or medical doctor (?) but he collected something like over 700 drums in his lifetime. He carried the drum fever, too.

He made strong connections with Ortiz, a Cuban anthropologist and a pioneer in Afro-Cuban studies, who brought the African origins of Cuban music to the world's attention with his 30 books and his lifetime of work for social justice.

Howard's book is really unique, and will tell you things you can find no where else. It is EXTREMELY informative (luckily, the local univeristy has a copy that I've read). Maybe it will help you, too.

The Smithsonian Institute ran an exhibit of a few of his drums in 2000 (I think). Here is a link to the Smithsonian exhibit:
http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithso....00.html

Marin Cohen, LP Percussion, has pictures of some of Howard's drums, too.

Best Regards,
Eric

I have the book by Dr. Howard. I knew him personally in Los Angeles and played at his opening in West Hollywood in 1980. So if there is anything historical you would like to know, I may be able to help. Bongos, in conception are "modeled" after clay drums from Morrocco. The Afro-Cubans out of necessity "invented" Congas-bongos and Timbales, which came from French Tympanis circa 1880's. Also "Cajones" which they "invented" on the docks of Havana and Matanza SeaPorts.,playing during their lunch hour. At your Service...JC JOHNNY CONGA.....

I dont if this helps with the origin of drums, but at least you get tons of rhythms :

http://w3.iac.net/~moonweb/Drumming/TOC.html

(unfortunately their all in tab format )

Hi Bill there is a possibility of bongos coming from the idea of "cut up" bata drums, but I find it hardly likely. Slaves were brought from mostly West Africa, and with them memories of their culture. I would have to assume some slaves had come from the Morrocon region of Africa as well,where "clay drums" are the norm. There by "creating" bongos out of wood from there memories of the 'clay drums". The Tambora is a typical "African drum",barrel shaped and played with stick,how it wound up in the Dominican Republic as part of their culture is open to discussion. Hope this helps...At your Service...JC JOHNNY CONGA....