The djembe is a hand drum originating from West Africa, specifically the Mandinka people of Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. The drum is traditionally made from hollowed out wood and goat skin and is played with bare hands. The djembe has been used for centuries in African cultural events such as dances, celebrations, and spiritual rituals. In the 20th century, the djembe gained popularity outside of Africa through the spread of African music and culture, particularly through world music and percussion ensembles. Today, the djembe is a popular instrument played globally for both traditional and contemporary music.