Gomera drum
A drum from La Gomera that accompanies the island’s traditional songs and dances.
- Family
- Percussion
- Area
- La Gomera
History
The Gomera drum tradition has roots in the island’s Indigenous population and continued after the conquest. Over time it accompanied religious celebrations, breaks from work, patronal festivities and former funerary rites.
Characteristics
Its shallow wooden shell is covered with kid skin. A metal snare resting against one head adds its characteristic vibration; the drum is held vertically and usually struck with a single stick.
Where it is used
It is one of the central voices of La Gomera’s folklore. Together with chácaras it accompanies ballads, songs and the drum dance or tajaraste, and it continues to sound at community gatherings and religious festivals.
