The djembe is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands. According to the Bamana people of Mali, the name djembe comes from the saying 'Anke djé, anke bé,' which translates to 'everyone gather together in peace.' It is carved from a single piece of hardwood and topped with a goatskin head. The drum's goblet shape creates a wide range of tones: a deep, booming 'bass' in the center, a medium 'tone' on the side, and a high-pitched 'slap' on the rim. Because of its incredible volume and versatility, it is one of the most popular African drums worldwide and is central to West African social and ritual life.