The Healing Drum

The Healing Drum
African Wisdom Teachings

Preface and Acknowledgments
Part 1: Those Who Refuse the Master
Introduction, Mitchell Hall
1. Birth of a Fool
2. Family Life
3. Village Life
4. The Elders
5. Knowledge
6. Initiations and Secret Societies
Part 2: The Healing Drum
Introduction, Mitchell Hall
7. Musical Instruments
8. The Minianka Musicians Apprenticeship
9. Music, Work, and Dance
10. School
11. Rituals and Celebrations
12. Music and Healing
13. Two Cultures
14. The Healing Drum Today
Pronunciation Key and Glossary of Minianka Terms
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
Audiocassette Ordering Information

Born and raised in Mali, West Africa into the Minianka (Bamana) tribe, Yaya Diallo learned to play balafon and hand drums under the instruction of his grandfather and spiritual mentor, Nangape.

"The Healing Drum is more than a literary autobiography; it includes considerable ethnographic information about Minianka culture"
Shaman's Drum

"Together Diallo and Hall have collaborated to produce a text that combines anthropology, sociology, philosophy and music in a potent and thought-provoking read."
The Jazz Report

"This is not actually a scholarly book, but that is part of its strength: the subjects discussed in Part One, about Minianka culture as a whole, are those covered in standard ethnographic studies."
Ethnomusicology

"Part two provides examination of the more public role of music as a sacred healing practice in Minianka culture."
Timothy White, Editor of Shaman's Drum

"I have been searching for an authentic, traditional CD with chanting and singing, and now I have finally found it!"
Body Mind Spirit Magazine, October 2003