Human beings have long lived with music, and in China, musical instruments have existed for thousands of years. In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of Southwest China, the ancient Bronze Drum is still part of everyday life for the local minority there. It’s regarded as the essence of their culture.

More than 2,000 years ago in the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history, bronze drums were the prevailing percussion instrument in southwestern China. The bronze drum was used as a sacrificial vessel at offerings and rituals. But more than that, bronze drums were also struck to transmit signals, summon the tribespeople, and direct fighting in battles. Thus, the possession of the instrument was seen as a symbol of power.

So far, a total of 1,300 bronze drums have been discovered and collected in China, and nearly half of them were found in Donglan County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a place known as “the homeland of bronze drums.”

Here is a short video introducing bronze drums by a group of students from Guangxi University, China. We hope you enjoy this video!