Drums Like smoke is an ancient form of communication which is still widely used today. Below is an example of how drums have been used by the people of Sri Lanka
Drums of Sri
Lanka
Sri Lanka has been having many types of drums in use from ancient times. Sri
Lankan Drum Tradition is believed to go as far back as 2500 years.
An examination of the village society in olden times would reveal that drums were used on special occasions during the life span of people, from their birth to the death. Drums, which were originally used, for pleasure and later for rituals, came to be used in the Buddhist Temples for the many ceremonies. At a later stage, Drums were also used as a means of communication. The Davula, Thammattama and the Bench Rabana have an important place in matters of communication. Some of these functions are:
1. Ana Bera - to inform the people about orders from the
King.
2. Vada Bera - drums played when a criminal is taken for beheading,
3. Mala Bera - drums used in a funeral procession and
4. Rana Bera - drums used by the army when going out to meet the enemy.
(by Piyasara Shilapadhipathi) www.virtual library.com