Steel pans (steel drums) were invented in the 1930s in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, although their history may be traced back to the enslaved Africans who were transported to the islands in the 1700s. They brought with them parts of their African culture, such as hand drumming. The British colonists took note of this new musical instrument and began to use it in a variety of ways, including for military marches. The drums were easy to make from sheet metal and so they became popular among musicians and carnival performers all over the world. Until the late 1950s, most steel drums were made from black iron or stainless steel. The introduction of rolled steel into the manufacturing process in the early 1960s led to an increase in quality and performance. Today's steel drums are very lightweight and durable. They can be played for many hours without getting tired! The evolution of the steel drum continues today with modern variations being created by musicians all over the world. A unique sound is produced when different types of percussion are played together (such as cowbells and bass drums), and this combination is what makes up much of the music that is played on steel drums. In conclusion, steel drums were first used in the Caribbean but have since become a worldwide phenomenon. Their unique sound has inspired musicians everywhere and they continue to evolve.