Collection Inspiration: Drums

Drums are percussion instruments that consist of a membrane strapped over a hollow basin. The instruments have been around since before the Bronze Age, and they continue to be used in ceremonies, bands and rituals today. For International Drum Month in May, PMG is highlighting 10 banknotes featuring drums and their role in culture across the world.

Ten Banknotes Featuring Drums

Republique d'Haiti, Treasury 1892 1 Gourde

Drums were integral to military strategy for hundreds of years, having only been retired in the past century. Drummers served as communicators both on and off the battlefield, using their drums to rally troops, signal commands and curfew, intimidate enemies and convey messages. It isn’t uncommon to see drums depicted along with other instruments of war, such as on this Republique d’Haiti 1 Gourde note.

Burundi, Banque de la Republique 1970-73 50 Francs

Burundi drums (called karyenda) are traditional African drums that represent the mwami (king), fertility and regeneration. The karyenda has been featured on many prominent Burundi symbols, including the nation’s flag and coat of arms from 1962 to 1966, after gaining independence from Belgium. Though the karyenda is rarely used as a status symbol in modern times, it is still played in cultural events and concerts, most prominently by the Royal Drummers of Burundi — a percussion ensemble that plays at ceremonies, births, funerals and coronations.

Vanuatu, Reserve Bank ND (1993) 500 Vatu

Though these instruments stand upright and have interesting faces on them, don’t let that fool you — they’re still drums! The upright drums on the back of this Vanuatu (1993) 500 Vatu note are called slit drums, and they’re traditionally displayed by wealthy or high-ranking men in Vanuatu. Traditionally, slit drums have been played on ceremonial dance grounds, but they’re also used as signaling devices. Some slit drums (called atingting drums) are thought to have spirits inside them and are posted outside properties as protection.

Trinidad & Tobago, Central Bank 2006 (ND 2017) 20 Dollars

The steelpan featured on the reverse of this Trinidad & Tobago 20 Dollars note is the national instrument of the country. The simple instrument is made of steel or oil drums with a metal pan on top, which gives the instrument a chromatic pitch. Steelpans originated in the 1930s in Trinidad and were used in carnivals, festivals, celebrations and, later, all-steel percussion bands.

Nigeria, Central Bank 2009 5 Naira

The Igbo who live in southeastern Nigeria practice a diverse and artistic culture. In terms of amusement and religion, many Igbo incorporate dance and music into their celebrations, spiritual purification ceremonies, preservation tactics and more. One of the most prevalent dances in the Igbo culture is the Nkpokiti dance, which became a cultural tradition after the end of the civil war in 1970. Nkpokiti dancers are featured on the back of this Nigeria 2009 5 Naira note along with a set of drums.

Nicaragua, Banco Central 2014 100 Cordobas

Following the Sandinista Revolution, the Nicaraguan government nationalized the Palo de Mayo festival, which is held each year on the first week of May to celebrate indigenous and Afro-Nicaraguan citizens. Starting May 1, a parade goes through several towns to share local Nicaraguan-Caribbean cuisine, music, dances and more. Though the parade’s traditional instruments included antiquated hand drums, modern festival musicians use the tap drums that are shown on the front and back of this Nicaraguan note.

Sri Lanka, Central Bank 2015 1,000 Rupees

The drum featured on the back of this Sri Lanka 1,000 Rupees note is called a dawula, which are played from the sides rather than on top. Using two kadippu sticks made of wood, dawula drummers provide music in traditional festivals and communicate to nearby people. Based on the beat of the drum and the way the dawula drum is moving, the people around could interpret an incoming threat, what time it was and more.

Maldives, Monetary Authority 2018 / AH1439 10 Rufiyaa

The Maldivan bodu beru is thought to be the oldest drum in the region. The instrument is made from coconut tree trunks and is used to accompany the boduberu, a traditional song and dance that originated in Africa. Bodu beru drummers perform in groups of three to accompany a lead singer, who sings of heroism, romance and satire. While the song starts slow and focuses on the drummers, the tempo rises throughout the song and typically ends on a fast crescendo along with wild dancing.

Indonesia, Bank Indonesia 2022 1,000 Rupiah

This Indonesia 1,000 Rupiah note features an hourglass tifa drum on the reverse. The drums are slender, have a handle to promote portability, and can be played with one open-palmed hand. Often, tifa drums — especially traditional ones — have ethnic and spiritual designs and patterns carved into the wood.

Papua New Guinea 2023 5 Kina

This Papua New Guinea banknote features a bird of paradise perched on a kundu — an hourglass drum very similar to the Indonesian tifa. The kundu drum is also featured on New Guinea’s coat of arms as the country’s emblem. For Papuans, the sound of the kundu represents the voices of spirits, which is why they are often played during ceremonies and burials.

If you're interested in more inspiring banknotes, check out our other Collection Inspiration columns for more collecting ideas, including this one focused on composers. Also, be sure to follow PMG on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter for other articles and interesting notes posted daily.