Name: Dolani Ajanaku

African Proverbs
Proverbs in general are a way of expressing and instilling cultural morals and ideas. Proverbs come in all forms, they are not necessarily always written down. There are oral proverbs, proverbs in form of art and music.

The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria

The Yorubas occupy the western part of Nigeria, the people in the west. The Yorubas are very rich in cultural values and heritage They have unique music, dance steps and drums like the other 2 main tribes.

Yoruba Talking Drums

The Yoruba's are spread all over the world, but this presentation will focus on the Nigerian Yorubas. The yoruba language is rich in proverbs. Before written words were introduced, yorubas preserved and communicated stories, proverbs and information through drums. Talking drums are an important aspect of the story telling and cultural aspect of yoruba people.

Picture of the talking drum.

Talking Drums
Originated in Oyo state, It was first assembled for the use of Alaafin of Oyo as his musical outfit whenever he goes to war. He used it to motivate his army. The Talking Drum speaks in tones that are adjusted with leather cords that run the length of the drums body. As it is played it's tones have the ability to mimic the spoken word. This is why it is actually called a Talking Drum.

Uses of the talking drum

It is used in occasions as a form of entertainment. Used to transfer information. Praise tradition yoruba gods (Sango, ogun, etc.). Owe is the yoruba word

Examples of owe
gb pnj l mr; j t b bur l m'ni t f'ni It's during tough times that friends and those who truly love one are known. Agbn t gd r t s, ni alm j lgb giri. The same wasps that humans see and run from, are what lizards gladly feed on.