Solid wood tone drum with 3 tongues produces warm and appealing rhythms. Playing it is easy and enjoyable. You can use the rubber mallet to lightly strike the tongues or play the drum with your fingers. Around for hundreds of years initially they were played for story-telling and communication rhythms. The slit/tone drum is one of the world's oldest instruments. Slit drums have been a part of African, Asian, and South American cultures for hundreds of years. In the beginning they were used for story-telling and communication. Playing it is easy and enjoyable. You can use the rubber mallet to lightly strike the tongues or play the drum with your fingers. There are no "wrong notes" you can create different rhythms and tones by playing the different tongues/slits. All wood tone drum with 3 sound tongues produces warm and appealing sounds when struck. Beautiful design around the shell of the drum in fabric. Certified for ages 24+ months. Includes a sturdy mallet with wooden handle and rubber head.