Every country, state, or continent has its own history. Some started abundant and prosperous, while some did not. Among all areas in the world, Africa has one of the best and most remarkable histories. Its music, art, and customs are so unforgettable that its people preserve them even as of today.

Ancient African art is not so different from what its people are currently practicing, except that a few modern tools and methods are now integrated to improve some of their aspects. Also, the continent’s indigenous citizens, who also cover a large portion of its population, continue to live their lives pretty much as how have their ancestors did for thousands of years. However, there have been some evolutions concerning this matter to make them survive in the modern world.

African art is said to be very figurative rather than interpretative. Most of its products don’t take the form of actual human beings or animals. Instead, they sculpt, pain, or mold their artifacts according to their concept of what a living or nonliving thing is. This makes it more dramatic and poignant. The continent also has musical instruments that its people developed.

The talking drum is a good example of a percussion African instrument. It is a double-ended drum shaped like an hourglass, and its heads are usually made of animal coverings which are connected by leather cords on the side of its base. It is played by holding the body under the arm, while a bent stick hits its head.

Another African instrument would be the ivory horn which is pretty much described by its name. It is made of an elephant’s tusk. Some records show that it was used as a hunting tool during the ancient times. Blowing its pipe and sounding the horn would usually serve as an alarm to alert hunters about their prey.

Sanza is an African instrument which resembles the modern piano. It is known for a lot of names such as thumb piano, mbira, and likembe. It has a board made of wood where metal strips are attached. These metal keys are flickered, creating an echoing sound. Its body has various shapes, although ancient and traditional versions are rectangular.