Brenko

The brenko is an open single-headed goblet drum that is part of the adowa ensemble. It is approximately 50 to 60 cm high and has a diameter of 20 to 22 cm at the top. It widens in the middle to 35 cm and it tapers towards the bottom to 18 cm. The membrane is stretched across the head of the drum inside a metal ring, which is anchored with braided ropes to five conical wooden pegs.
The brenko drum is played with the palm of the hand and the fingertips alternately. It is decorated with adinkra symbols as well as with figures from everyday life such as trees, animals, drummers and so on.
Symbols derived from the adinkra:

• Gye Nyame: symbolizing the upper God.
• Biribibi wo soro: symbolizing hope.
• Ako - ben: symbolizing a war horn.
• Epa: symbolizing slavery.
• Afena: symbolizing war.
• Hye wonnhey: symbolizing forgiveness.

© RMCA/Dominik PHYFFEROEN