African djembes are handcrafted from tree trunks in Guinea into a vase-like shape with a goatskin head. While dimensions may vary, djembes typically stand 24 inches tall, weigh 22 pounds and have a 13 inch head diameter. According to Yaya's book "The Healing Drum", the djembe serves as the village therapist in Guinea and provides healing through drumming at a lower cost than traditional therapists.