INSTRUMENTS CATALOGUE

---

DRUMS

ASHIKOS, CONGUITAS (kon-GI-tah) & REQUINTOS (reh-KIN-to)

Ashikos are conical shaped drums with cord fastening and tuning. They originate in West Africa and are played in groups that create intricate polyrhythms. Ashikos (pictured here) come in various sizes and woods.

The conguita can be played alone or with the requinto. It has a low bass sound. Size: 10" X 24".

The requinto, a small conga drum originally from the Caribbean coast of Panama, is conical shaped and fashioned of assembled pine or hardwood staves. The head is fastened with durable selected nylon cord lacing which allows for tuning. This drum is played with both hands by striking the calf-hide head. The requinto can be played alone, or with the bigger conguita drum. Size: 8" X 24".

$150- $180

HOOP-DRUMS

Hoop drums are found all over the world, and are shared by many cultures. Ours are inspired by the native instrument makers of Turtle Island, the ancient lands now called North and Central America. They are perfect for single or group drumming, or for accompanying another instrument. Light weight, the body is made of first-grade, 8-ply maple covered with elk, deer or goat hides. Natural rawhide heads respond to changes in their environment and should only be played when the heads are tense and dry. A padded mallet is included with each drum.
Sizes: 8" X 2.5", 10" X 3", 12" X 3", 14" X 3", 16" X 3", and 18" X 3", and up to 36" diameter.

$!00- $140

FRICTION DRUMS

Sound is produced on friction drums by rubbing a damp cloth on the stick attached to the head, inside or outside, of the drum. At 10" X 18", the FURRUCO (foo-ROO-koh) is the largest friction drum we make, producing a rumbling bass sound. The smaller CUICA (koo-I-kah) is made of a gourd ranging from 2" to 6" wide, to 4" to 8" tall. Various playing techniques allow you to create rhythmic patterns or voice imitation. the cuica was originally used as a hunting call for the female jaguar in the dense rainforests of Mesoamerica. Friction drums were also used by roving musical ensembles of the Middle Ages, and today are widely utilized in Brazilian samba music.

$75- $120

HUEHUETL (WEH-weh-tl)

The huehuetl is a preconquest drum played by the Mayan and Aztec cultures of Central America. Unfortunately, many of its ancient playing styles have been lost as a result of European colonization. Our huehuetls are uniquely shaped and designed to follow the natural inclinations of the wood. They are made from hollowed logs of various hard woods. Deer or elk hides are streched and mounted on one end of the drum, and legs are carved for support on the other end. The huehuetl can be played with the hands, or with one or two heavy mallets.
Size: Varies depending on the wood, commonly 12" X 24".

$175- $300

TEPONAZTLE (teh-po-NA-tzli)

The teponaztle is a log drum played by the Mayan and Aztec people of Old Mexico before the European conquest. Their ancient playing style, which combines sounds from two or more tongues cut into the drum body, was lost in the 16th century. Today, the original playing techniques are utilized by traditional Mexican dance groups. Our teponaztles vary in size and design, according to the natural shape of the wood. Some sculpted animal forms are also available. The drum is played by striking the tongues on top of the instrument with rubber tipped mallets. By combining the sound patterns, the player can create intricate and endless rhythms. A pair of mallets are included with each drum.
Size: Varies, most common 7" X 20"

$100- $250

DJEMBES (JEM-beh)

Djembes are modeled after the famous drums of the Ivory Coast region of Africa. They have an hour glass shaped body made of assembled wood staves and are laced in traditional fashion with nylon cord to the highest tension possible. Their playing technique is vigorous and demanding. An advanced player can obtain several tone qualities with a few stroke variations. Our djembes are considerably lighter than the traditional drums, making them easier to carry. The drums are made of pine or hard wood and are covered with goat hide.
Size: 7" X 14" and 11" X 23". 

$!40-$300

Recordings

Instruments Other Than Drums

Sirius Coyote's Multi-Cultural Workshops

Visit our Ecovillage in Mexico

Biographical Information

Sirius Coyote in Concert

Study Guide