The Yao nationality monkey drum (pinyin: Yáozú hóu gǔ) is a musical instrument of the Yao nationality. It is named after the accompaniment of "Monkey Drum". It is popular in the Yao ethnic area around Shanglin County in the central part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. On the Danu Festival of the Yao nationality, people collectively perform "Monkey Drumming". The high-pitched drum sound and vigorous dance steps add a warm atmosphere to the festival. For several days in a row, all night long, enjoying the party.
The drum frame is mostly made of a whole section of camphor wood hollowed out in the shape of a round pier. The diameter of the drum mouth at both ends is 25 cm, the drum height is 35 cm, the drum waist is slightly larger, and the waist diameter is 27 cm. The mouth of the drum is 20 cm. There are several small holes drilled around the edge. A small wooden stick is inserted between every two holes. The small wooden sticks corresponding to the two drum skins are tightened back and forth with ropes. , the drum skin can be tightened. The drum is made of wood, straight rod-shaped, and the drum is 30 cm long.
According to legend, on the Danu Festival (also known as Yao Year or Zuniang Festival) of the Yao ethnic group, the Yao people of the Bunu branch will hold a three-day grand national festival from the 27th to the 29th day of the fifth lunar month. To commemorate the great victory of our ancestors against the feudal dynasty. At that time, Yao people, men and women, young and old, dressed in costumes, gathered from all directions in the Drum Hall to celebrate. The gongs and drums were loud, people sang and danced, and the folk dances performed included monkey drum, copper drum, reed dance, horn dance, etc. The dancers played and danced, and the atmosphere was extremely warm, reflecting the struggle and production activities of the ancestors of the Yao nationality.
When playing, the drum is often placed on the drum stand, and the player stands beside the drum and strikes with both hands. The drum body can also be hung with a tie around the neck, the drum is placed in front of the abdomen, and the dance is performed while hitting. You can also play drums with one person and dance while the other person beats. The sound is sonorous and rough. It is mainly used for the accompaniment of Yao folk dance "Monkey Drum". The number of dancers is usually twelve, and there is no limit to the number. The performers disguised themselves as monkeys, beat monkey drums, small gongs, small cymbals, or held various props such as golden hoop sticks and banana fans, simulating monkeys jumping, scratching, playing and other actions, dancing happily, the whole dance started. The beginning and the rapidity are also based on the rhythm of the monkey drum.