The orisa of drums and drum music is Àyàn. The very existence of a god of drums indicates the importance of drum music to Yoruba religious practice. Àyàn is worshipped whenever the drum is played. Unlike in the case of the bàtá drums, the composition of the strap of this gudu-gudu drum does have relevance to the orisa being honored. Different aspects of Àyàn have different strap designs specific to their attributes. This drum type is considered to be extremely ancient, perhaps the oldest kind of drum in Yorubaland. The mark at the center of the drum’s head is known as ida, and is an indication of the maker of the drum.