FOU DRUM

The Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics featured 2,008 drummers playing Fou drums, ancient instruments dating back to the 7th century B.C.E. Recently unearthed in eastern China, these clay or bronze drums were traditionally used in imperial ceremonies. The synchronized drummers symbolized unity and celebrated Chinese heritage in a powerful display, with this particular Fou drum being number 62 out of the 2,008 specially crafted for this historic event.