Copper Drum as a Mirror of Social Conventions

Not merely confined to the functions of a cooking utensil, a musical instrument, or a war drum, the copper drum was also deemed holy, symbolizing the divine power of the gods and the authority enjoyed by the tribal leaders. When ancient tribes held a ceremony marking their alliance, agreement, or so on, the copper drum was worshiped as a divine witness to the covenant reached by the parties involved.

Although its divinity gradually faded away, the copper drum is still used as an important musical instrument to observe established festivals like the Spring Festival, and to celebrate such occasions as weddings and funerals in many ethnic groups in the south of China. The following are some examples:

The Bai nationality observes funerals by beating copper drums to the accompaniment of a mournful tune or song, and both the Shui and Buyi nationalities beat copper drums to celebrate their festivals, too.

Yet, the copper drum plays an even more important role in the life of those Zhuang people who inhabit the Red Water River delta in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as it is an indispensable feature of the widely popular "Frog Festival" there.

Because the frog symbolizes the spring and a good harvest for the Zhuang people, in a tradition that still exists, they go out together into the fields on the first day of the Spring Festival, beating their copper drums and looking for frogs. Whoever catches a frog will enjoy good luck all over the year.

Author:Lency

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