A
Batá drum is a double-headed
drum shaped like an hourglass with one cone larger than the other. The
percussion instrument is used primarily for the use of religious or semi-religious purposes for the native culture from the land of
Yoruba, located in
Nigeria, as well as by worshippers of
Santería in
Cuba,
Puerto Rico, and in the
United States. The Batá drum's popular functions are entertainment and to convey messages. Its early function was as a drum of different gods, drum of royalty, drum of ancestors and drum of politicians. Batá drum impacted on all spheres of life.