Following centuries of tradition, Denis Kagaba has crafted handmade drums from his rural home in Rwanda. At 15, his son Jean-Paul (right) is a keen apprentice.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
The source of wood for these drums, the Umuvumu tree, a symbol of protection, once grew across much of southern Rwanda, but its numbers have dwindled.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
Kagaba shears hair from the straps of cowhide he will use to fasten the drumhead. Next he will douse the drum in cow’s blood, which will keep the straps in place.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
With a set of simple tools, Kagaba carves his drums from the wood of the Umuvumu tree, known for its durability and tight acoustics.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
An Intore dancer in traditional garb. Once elite warriors, Intore are best known as performing artists, beholders of centuries-old drumming and dancing rituals.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
Members of the Leaf Intore Cultural Troupe, a performing arts group composed of former street children, put drums Kagaba made to use.
Credit:
Jon Rosen
