Origins of the Djembe
Spirituality and Legends
The Malinke People
Griots and Storytelling
Modern Use & Influence
100
This is the time historians believe the Djembe Originated.
When is around 1300 AD
100
The goblet shape of the djembe symbolizes love, emotion, spirituality, and this.
What is life?
100
The djembe is most closely tied to this West African ethnic group.
Who are the Malinke (Mandinka)?
100
These individuals serve as historians, storytellers, and keepers of oral tradition.
Who are griots?
100
Today, the djembe can be found in schools, concerts, and these social gatherings.
What are drum circles?
200
This Mandinka social class of blacksmiths is believed to have first carved the djembe.
Who are the numu?
200
This supernatural being is said to have gifted the djembe to a Mandinka blacksmith.
What is a djinn (genie)?
200
True or False – Only griots are allowed to play the djembe.
What is False?
200
These two instruments, along with the ngoni, were restricted to griots.
What are the Kora, and Balafon
200
A single traditional celebration song can last this long.
What are several hours?
300
The word “djembe” comes from this Bambara phrase meaning “everyone gather together in peace.”
What is “Anke djé, anke bé”?
300
This is the nickname sometimes given to the djembe.
What is the “Devil Drum”?
300
The Malinke helped spread the djembe across West Africa along with this caste.
Who are the blacksmiths (numu)?
300
Griot songs often praise leaders like this king or professions like hunters.
Who is King Sundiata? / What are hunters and cobblers?
300
Drumming in modern circles aims to bring peace, love, and this.
What is understanding?
400
The djembe was first seen during this 13th-century empire.
What is the Mali Empire
400
Traditional healers used djembe rhythms to do this for patients.
What is calm them?
400
The djembe was used in ceremonies to mark these natural cycles.
What are moon cycles, seasons, and harvests?
400
In djembe ensembles, women usually participate in these two ways.
What are singing and dancing (or clapping)?
400
The Djembe is considered an insturment of unity because its name means this.
What is "gather together in peace"?
500
These three spirits are believed to live inside a djembe.
What are the spirit of the tree, the animal (goat skin), and the maker?
500
Today, outside of Africa, the djembe is often played in these two spiritual settings.
What are drum circles and healing events?
500
This term sometimes used for a Djembe player.
What is a djembefola
500
A djembe master changes the pace of the dance by doing this.
What is increasing the tempo?
500
In modern times, the Djembe has spread globally through these practices.
What are cultural exchange, music education and spirituality?