Yoruba Bata: A Living Drum and Dance Tradition from Nigeria

A Batá drum is a double-headed drum shaped like an hourglass with one cone larger than the other. The percussion instrument is used primarily for the use of religious or semi-religious purposes for the native culture from the land of Yoruba, located in Nigeria. It is commonly believed by academic researchers that these original drums were played to frighten those who would both make war with Oyo and those citizens who would oppose the king. Early Batá performances were likely held under the cover of darkness and often preceded parades of frighteningly dressed masqueraders called Egungun and Paraka.