Atabaque
Atabaque
A traditional tall wooden drum that keeps the fundamental rhythm in a capoeira roda.
Quick Facts
CategoryEquipment
Pronunciation/[ah-tah-bah-keh]/
Definition
The atabaque is an Afro-Brazilian musical instrument of conical shape, with animal skin stretched over its top. It stands right beside the berimbau in the roda and forms the heart of the musical accompaniment called the bateria. Its deep, resonant sound sets the basic pulse of the whole game and determines whether the encounter will be slow and technical or fast and aggressive. The atabaque player must feel the rhythm precisely in order to support the energy and axé of the whole group. The instrument is also closely tied to Candomblé religious ceremonies.