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Rada drum
Haiti
Made by Miguel Zami
2000
Canadian Museum of Civilization
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Rada drums are associated with the three religious
rites of rada, petro and congo. So is the flute, which is used
to call the Loà, the divinities invoked during voodoo ceremonies.
The drums are sacred instruments, and their construction must end with a
benediction to ensure the quality of their sound and the effectiveness of
their role as mediators. After invoking Legba, the Loà who
opens the door to the entire voodoo pantheon, drum makers pour some
clairin (rum) on the ground and the skins of the drum. They then
make signs over the skins with a lighted candle and recite the following
benediction: "Marie drum, you were a great tree in the forest. Forgive
me for cutting you down, but I did it with respect. I brought you near my
caye (home), where I hollowed you out with all the skill and
experience I have acquired, to make you a drum. I ask that you resonate
with a beautiful sound each time that someone beats you, from this moment
on."
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