Abstract

The time-honored Chinese drum culture cannot be separated from the instrument drums, which appeared in Chinese history very early. However, many researchers of drum culture neglected the invention of the instument. Some even claimed that drum was one of the ancient instruments imported from other nations. Enlightend by the sounds of thunders, the intelligent primitive Chinese people made drums to imitate the sounds. Records of myths and legends from many ancient Chinese classics prove that drums were invented and made by Chinese people much earlier than many other ancient Chinese musical instruments.They thought drums could give them power to drive away wild animals and protect them from natural disasters and enemies. Later, drums were used by them to worhip their gods, entertain the rich the powerful and give orders and encourage the soldiers in the wars.