My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer technique.
If you're interested in the African roots of the banjo and the origins of the clawhammer style, read Cecelia Conway's book 'African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia'. It opened my eyes to how important a role the clawhammer banjo played in African American culture. An interesting read!
Their are also on-line sources of information, the best probably being the Black Banjo website.
Also look at the African Ancestors of the Banjo.
If you want to see videos and sound clips of the African instrument that most likely spawned the five string banjo and the clawhammer style of playing it, then check out the Akonting.
Thanks... Mike