Word - Music

So my inspiration for this blog post is the ridiculous amount of handmade, African drums that my roommate has lying around our house. I finally took the time to look at them and observe the craftsmanship behind them. These are similar to drums used in many African oral cultures and it is just amazing how much time and skill was needed to make them. With that considered, music had to be an important part of their culture for them to take the time to make these instruments. It is easy to see why they would put in the effort, though. Music is the gateway to a person's soul. It can help you feel emotions more deeply or it can even help you express them. In oral cultures, music brought people together. It was used in rituals and it was a part of celebrations. It was and still is a big part of those traditions and who they are. Music doesn't even need words to touch your heart and your soul. You just feel music. It is a part of these cultures. Without it, there is a big empty hole that would be impossible to fill with anything else. When I see all the drums lying around the house, these instruments that once had no meaning to me, now represent the hearts and souls of the peoples that once made and played drums like them. They represent a whole world of music and tradition that I have never seen or experienced. They are no longer just drums, they are symbols of tradition.

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