How the ekwe makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the ekwe belongs to the struck idiophones: the body is struck directly – bells, gongs, xylophones and cymbals.
More broadly it is one of the idiophones, where the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
An Ekwe is an Igbo traditional musical instrument. The ekwe is a slit drum with rectangular slits in the surface and a hollow interior. The ekwe is made out of wood, most commonly a log or a section of one. The ekwe comes in a variety of sizes and designs; the size is determined according to the purpose. An ekwe can be used for traditional cultural events, or it can be used for music. The ekwe is also used as a type of talking drum communicating, in the past, with others at long distances. Ekwe players use different rhythms for different purposes, from celebrations to emergencies.
Other struck idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does an ekwe sound like?
As one of the struck idiophones, its sound comes from the way the body is struck directly.
What type of instrument is the ekwe?
It is classified as struck idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 111.243).
Where does the ekwe come from?
The ekwe originates from Nigeria.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q5350631 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Ekwe – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Umasoyee – CC BY-SA 4.0