359-year-old drum at Glidzi attracts tourists
Togbe Sedgbe Foli Bebe XV
This drum was made in 1663 for the first Ga Chief at Glidzi near Anexor, Togo.
The drum, surrounded by human skull, was played for the first Ga Chief, Togbe Foli-Bebe, once a year during his reign from 1663-1722 at festivals.
It was made with Odum tree and a cow hide and played for 13 successive chiefs before the current chief, Torgbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV, was installed in June, 1997.
The chief said the features of the drum had never changed since 1663 and extolled the unique talent of those who made the drum.
He said the drum contained the soul and spirit of the entire Ga citizens in Togo and evoked nostalgia whenever it was played during festivals and special occasions.
Togbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV praised his grandson, Foli, for being chosen naturally by the gods to play the drum seamlessly like his forefathers did since 1663.
It has since become a tourist attraction for visitors who throng Glidzi to catch a glimpse of this wonderful drum.
By Francis Xah
