The sabar is a traditional drum from Senegal that is also played in the Gambia. It is associated with Wolof[1] and Serer people.[2]

Goron sabar
Goron sabar
Mbeng mbeng sabar
Mbeng mbeng sabar
Tungoné sabar
Tungoné sabar
Kun sabar
Kun sabar
Two Sabar drums from Senegal

The drum is generally played with one hand and one stick or "galan".[1] There are many different kinds of sabar, each with a different sound and a different role in the ensemble. Some common forms of sabar are Nder, Thiol, Goron, Mbeng Mbeng, Tungone, and Xiin.

The sabars are made from the wood of the dimb tree from the Senegambia region. They are carved by the laobé, or carvers, and generally skinned by the griot. The skinning process involves using goat skin and securing it with 7 pegs, cord, and "mes" or webbing.

Among its most renowned exponents was the Senegalese musician Doudou N'Diaye Rose.

Sabar is also recognized as a type of dance and the style of music played while using this drum.

Mbeng Mbeng sabar skinned in the traditional method using pegs and "mes" or webbing
Mbeng Mbeng sabar skinned in the traditional method using pegs and "mes" or webbing


See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Sabar terms. 21M.030 Introduction to World Music" (PDF), MIT OpenCourseWare, 2013, retrieved 2022-02-16
  2. ^ Master of Sabar From the Sine-Saloum (two Serer precolonial kingdoms: Kingdom of Sine and Kingdom of Saloum. It originated from Sine and entered Saloum. Wolof migrants to Serer Saloum picked it up from their. See Mbalax.
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