Bata Drum

By Crusader1307

The ''Bata'' is a ceremonial drum used by The Yoruba Tribe of Africa in various religious rituals. It would migrate to The New World (Cuba) and become a focal point in the practice of Santeria as well. The Bata is a double-headed device, made of hide (stretched over an hour glass shaped frame). It is usually held over the hip of the player via a leather stripe. One face is larger, but with skill both sides can be played alternately. The Drums are normally ''blessed'' and some say that their Bata are also homes to Patron or Protection Spirits. The Bata is important in maintaining a type of rhythm needed to invoke the attention of Santerian Deities. The constant beating is needed to create a type of hypnotic state (aided with the ingestion of various potions to held achieve and maintain such). Some Bata Drums were also taken into the local Folk Music of Cuba as well.