Set of 3 Pieces of Bata Drums - Obbatala and Yemaya Path. In Africa, the bata drums belonged to the kings and were only played for them. Until the last few decades in Cuba the drums were only played for the presentation of newly crowned priests (Iyawos) to the community and to Aña (pronounced an-yá), the Orisha or deity whose secret resides within the drum. Bembe drums or güiro (shekeres) were used for all other drumming ceremonies. Today the bata drums are played more frequently and for a wider variety of reasons (such as an initiate's Ocha birthday, or to give thanks to a specific Orisha or Santo as they are often called in Cuba). Please contact us for customized orders