Recently, in a drum factory located in Chen Village, Baimasi Town, within the Chanhe District, Chen Zhanbo was installing drum skins together with his father Chen Yichao.
Chen Zhanbo, who is 35 years old, is the 19th generation successor of the Chen family drum-making technique, an intangible cultural heritage project in Henan Province. From a young age, he was influenced by the craft and began learning from his father at the age of 15. “If you’re going to do it, do it the best way. A good drum can be played for five, ten, or even fifty years, and the sound won’t change,” Chen Zhanbo said. Making a good drum is not easy; both the selection of materials and the process are crucial.
In recent years, Chen Zhanbo has conducted public welfare lectures through internet platforms and other forms, allowing more people to understand this intangible cultural heritage project and experience the charm and elegance of traditional drum-making craftsmanship.
