Pressing patrons with proverbs: Talking drums at the Tamale markets1
Closing comments on the drummed proverbs
Speech surrogate drumming in Dagbon has a rich history and a thriving present. An important part of the drummers' repertoire is the appellations for important people. These drummed proverbs teach truth to the community, focus public attention on particular patrons, and provide income for the drummers who are charged with remembering them all. At a market, the drummed proverbs are the means for a certain type of social interaction; at a dance they also provide some of the music necessary for the event to be successful. They are heard at all of the major events in the life cycle of the individual and annual cycle of the community. Life in Dagbon is really unthinkable without them. Each drummed proverb ties together linguistic, musical, personal, and metaphorical relations into a memorable sound pattern that is meant to move one's feet, one's mind, and one's wallet.