Instruments
Fig.6. An Afro-American
sitting on a stool playing a
banjo(Courier Co.).
sitting on a stool playing a
banjo(Courier Co.).
Slaves had limited access to musical instruments. Yet, they still found creative ways to produce sound. The banjo and other string instruments had roots existing back to their native countries, though many were not able to access them as slaves unless invited.
"Some masters invited slave musicians to play European music at festivals and gatherings” (“Music in Slave Life”).
Slaves found a clever and resourceful way to assemble a complete song using several types of sounds. Many of these sounds came from nature and consisted of sticks, rocks, and tree stumps, which were used as a substitute for different instruments to keep the beat.
“These exercises were often accompanied by Africans playing banjos, and beating drums or upturned kettles” (Feelings).
They also made use of their bodies, such as hand clapping, foot stomping, snapping fingers and pounding on their chests. Their most valuable instrument was the use of their voice. (“Music in Slave Life”).
"They would compose and sing as they went along, consulting neither time nor tune" (Douglass 39).
"Some masters invited slave musicians to play European music at festivals and gatherings” (“Music in Slave Life”).
Slaves found a clever and resourceful way to assemble a complete song using several types of sounds. Many of these sounds came from nature and consisted of sticks, rocks, and tree stumps, which were used as a substitute for different instruments to keep the beat.
“These exercises were often accompanied by Africans playing banjos, and beating drums or upturned kettles” (Feelings).
They also made use of their bodies, such as hand clapping, foot stomping, snapping fingers and pounding on their chests. Their most valuable instrument was the use of their voice. (“Music in Slave Life”).
"They would compose and sing as they went along, consulting neither time nor tune" (Douglass 39).