177 kihembe

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Also called ngoma. A type of drum found throughout East Africa. Animal hide is stretched over both ends of the body. At the perimeter of each drumhead a number of incisions are made, and a cord reed is passed through each alternate hole to form thonging which maintains the drumheads' tension. The end of the same reed cord is used as a shoulder strap. The player hangs the drum from his shoulder and supports it under the arm while beating it with the fingers and palm. A pebble is inserted into the drum shell and rattles against the membranes.