Haitian Vodou Drumming - The Petwo Batterie

The Petwo Batterie

There are traditionally only a pair of drums in the Petwo ensemble, the Ti Baka and the Gwo Baka (ti and gwo are from the French Petit and Gros). These drums resemble congas, but with much more slender tapered bottoms. These drums are similar in appearance except for size. Counterhoops for the skins are made from lianas or stiff vines. The skin is stretched by rope laced between the counterhoop Wooden wedges are inserted between the rope and the drum to add tension on the skin. In contemporary settings, in Port o Prince at least, a drum called a Kata is added to the ensemble. This drum serves the same function as the Boula in the Rada batterie and is played in the same way. Drummers claim that this addition “heats-up” the music.