Synopses & Reviews
The Healing Drum traces the extraordinary cultural legacy of the Minianka tribe of West Africa, for whom music serves a sacred, healing function for the individual and society. The authors explore the Minianka view of humanity, music, and the cosmos relative to work, celebration, herbal medicine, dance, trance, initiation, and death.
The first book of its kind, delivering a message of untapped wisdom and power from a little-known culture through the universal medium of music.
Review
"This is not actually a scholarly book, but that is part of its strength: the subjects discussed in Part One, about Minianka culture as a whole, are those covered in standard ethnographic studies."
Review
"Together Diallo and Hall have collaborated to produce a text that combines anthropology, sociology, philosophy and music in a potent and thought-provoking read."
Review
"Part two provides examination of the more public role of music as a sacred healing practice in Minianka culture."
Review
"I have been searching for an authentic, traditional CD with chanting and singing, and now I have finally found it!"
Review
"The Healing Drum is more than a literary autobiography; it includes considerable ethnographic information about Minianka culture"
Review
"Together Diallo and Hall have collaborated to produce a text that combines anthropology, sociology, philosophy and music in a potent and thought-provoking read."
Review
"This is not actually a scholarly book, but that is part of its strength: the subjects discussed in Part One, about Minianka culture as a whole, are those covered in standard ethnographic studies."
Review
"Part two provides examination of the more public role of music as a sacred healing practice in Minianka culture."
Review
"I have been searching for an authentic, traditional CD with chanting and singing, and now I have finally found it!"
Review
"This is music that hasn't had its wings clipped; music that still possesses the full potential for the sacred and the magical that it had at the beginning of the world." < i=""> Magazine of the Place des Arts <>
Synopsis
The Healing Drum traces the extraordinary cultural legacy of the Minianka tribe of West Africa, for whom music serves a sacred, healing function for the individual and society. The authors explore the Minianka view of humanity, music, and the cosmos relative to work, celebration, herbal medicine, dance, trance, initiation, and death.
The first book of its kind, delivering a message of untapped wisdom and power from a little-known culture through the universal medium of music.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-206) and index.
About the Author
Born and raised in Mali, West Africa into the Minianka (Bamana) tribe, Yaya Diallo learned to play balafon and hand drums under the instruction of his grandfather and spiritual mentor, Nangape.
Table of Contents
The Healing Drum African Wisdom Teachings
Preface and Acknowledgments
Part 1: Those Who Refuse the Master
Introduction, Mitchell Hall
1. Birth of a Fool
2. Family Life
3. Village Life
4. The Elders
5. Knowledge
6. Initiations and Secret Societies
Part 2: The Healing Drum
Introduction, Mitchell Hall
7. Musical Instruments
8. The Minianka Musicians Apprenticeship
9. Music, Work, and Dance
10. School
11. Rituals and Celebrations
12. Music and Healing
13. Two Cultures
14. The Healing Drum Today
Pronunciation Key and Glossary of Minianka Terms
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
Audiocassette Ordering Information