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Features of ngoma
In Tanzania, there are different ways of making ngoma. In other cultures, the
ngoma membrane is made of animal skin like cows, goats and other animals.
In some cultures, it is made of reptilian skin like monitor lizards. The cylinder,
where the membrane is attached, is made of wood, while in some other cultures
it is made of metallic tins. The membrane is attached to the cylinder by using
manilla strands. In other cases. It is attached using strands made from animal
skins and small wooden pegs. Figure 6.14 shows examples of ngoma and their
parts.
Wooden cylinder Membrane Strands
Wooden peg
Figure 6.14: Ngoma and their parts
There are different shapes and sizes of ngoma depending on the culture of users.
In some traditions, the ngoma are too big and heavy to carry while, in some
cultures, they are small enough to be handled by a single hand. Some ngoma
are covered with membrane on one side while others are covered on both sides.
Figure 6.15 shows an example of ngoma in different sizes and shapes.
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