Our project, “Exploring African Rhythms in 3D: Multivariable Modeling of Drums and Shakers,” is a captivating blend of art and mathematics. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of African percussion instruments, we embarked on a journey to create intricate 3D models of traditional drums and shakers using principles of multivariable calculus. What drew us to this project was the desire to harmonize the aesthetic beauty of these instruments with the mathematical elegance that underlies their shapes. Focused on simplicity and clarity, we applied the concept of parametric equations and 3D drawing techniques to model the basic shapes of African drums and shakers —upward bowls, cones, discs, ellipsoids, and tubes. The choice of these geometric primitives allows us to convey the essence of the instruments while emphasizing the foundational concepts of multivariable calculus.
In this project, the spotlight is on three-dimensional geometric shapes—upward bowls representing the concave structure of drum bodies, cones representing the downward structure, an ellipsoid capturing the roundness of the upper body of shakers, and a tube for the handle. Through these basic shapes, we illustrate how concepts like parametric equations, curvature, and radius come together to define the forms of these cultural artifacts. The simplicity of our approach aims to make multivariable calculus more accessible while showcasing the inherent mathematical beauty that shapes the traditional rhythms of African music.
