The drum belongs to the group of percussion instruments, which are sound-producing instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping a surface or object. Percussion instruments are commonly used in a wide range of musical genres and cultural contexts around the world.
In the case of enslaved individuals, the drum served as a powerful tool for maintaining cultural identity, preserving traditions, and facilitating communication within their communities. Despite restrictions and limitations placed on their lives, the drum allowed them to express their emotions, share stories, and connect with their cultural heritage.