Hey there,

Here is a picture and some thoughts I wanted to share- about how Drum Casket in Bamako came together, and how beginning to tell the story with pictures, video, and words have been so far.

The experience in Bamako was incredible. In many ways, very specific plans came to fruition. For instance, much of the planning and drawing for the building of the drum made working with local craftsman very smooth and even familiar. On the other hand, some of the most enlightening moments would have been impossible to prepare for. Sometimes I found something to be fantastic, while someone there saw it as typical or rather uninteresting.

With any communication, there is an inevitable space for interpretation and misinterpretation. Collaborating in a context of different languages and cultural values is what I think is most compelling. Even as I'm working on bringing the pictures and video together to tell the story- more or less from start to finish, I'm finding the meaning of it all difficult to pin down. I know what my intentions are and what I'm learning, but there are bits of the unknown. This makes me happy. This keeps it alive.

This is my teacher Madoudjan, professional drummer and drum builder, and me working on the roof of the house I was staying in. The wood structure in the foreground is the frame for the lid of the Drum Casket. We are cleaning the the cow skin before soaking and stretching the skin over the frame. Here the skin is mostly dry, having been taken off the cow about 48hrs earlier. We are using our feet to hold the skin, fur side down, as we clean off undesirable remnants of meat and fat with shaving razors.

Hi,

I'm back from Bamako. The project was a humbling and fantastic success on all accounts! There is a beautiful Drum Casket in Bamako; a wooden box complete with a hand stretched cow skin drum head. Even better is the story of the making. 

The greatest success of the project was the experience. The challenges and rewards of working with unconventional means, communicating through a language barrier, and documenting unrehearsed, unfamiliar and dynamic events (often in a setting that discouraged or objected to cameras) are a story in the making. This whole process was handled beautifully by Mary Jane Ward. We are excited to share once we compile and edit the many photos and hours of video.

Sidy Maiga was instrumental in helping me find the right people to work with and surrounding me with professionals and friends that became a sense of family. Rachel Nguyen's interest and support from the beginning was a constant source of energy.

Everyday I thought of your support and the process of kickstarter. I admit that at times the fundraising and online communication felt impersonal to me. However, I want to let you know how personally grateful I am- especially knowing that many of the backers are working artists. To everyone, thank you for having my back on this project.

Thank you sincerely,

Amery

One piece of the many musical events that inspired me to take my Drum Casket to Mali.

Hey Everyone!

Check out the new Drum Casket video!

Charlie Roberts shot this video last weekend in Providence, RI at the Bell Street Church on December 16, 2011.

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