Which of the following best describes a djembe?

• A. A rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands
• B. A metal bongos set used in Latin music
• C. A low-pitched wooden drum with sticks
• D. A wind instrument carved from bamboo

Answer: (A)

Recognize the djembe by its rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet-shaped body that is played with bare hands. This West African drum is carved from hardwood, has a goat-skin head tightened with ropes, and its distinctive goblet shape helps produce a wide range of tones—deep bass from the center and bright, crisp tones from the edge—when struck with the hands. The usual technique emphasizes hand contact, not sticks or mallets. The other descriptions point to different instruments or playing methods: a metal bongos set is a separate Latin percussion instrument with two small drums; a low-pitched wooden drum played with sticks involves a different playing style and instrument class; a wind instrument carved from bamboo is not a drum at all.