Read the excerpt from Sudanese Slit Drum. This thinning would materially change the sound of the drum, evidence that although it might continue to be used for its original purpose of music-making or calling people to arms, it would now do so with a different voice. A musical instrument had become a trophy, and the new carvings were in fact branding, a statement of the north’s political dominance over Central Africa and of allegiance to Islam. MacGregor's analysis in this passage is mostly focused on
Answer
A
the religious history of the drum.
B
the musical history of the drum.
C
the general usefulness of the drum.
D
the cultural significance of the drum.
Explanation
The passage emphasizes what the drum’s altered sound and new carvings meant: it became a trophy and a sign of political dominance and allegiance to Islam. Those details focus on the drum’s meaning within society, not mainly on its religious, musical, or practical history. The best answer is D, the cultural significance of the drum.
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