Udu

Udu (Igbo ), also KimKim ( in Kaduna ), abang ( Ibibio ) or ikoko - ilu (Yoruba), is a Schlagidiophon of baked clay, which is played in Nigeria. The udu is a knock-out pot in the form of a bulbous vase with a further opening on the side.

Udu means in the language of the Igbo " pitcher ". It is traditionally mainly used by women to dance accompaniment, to the rhythmic accompaniment of his own singing and orchestra in different formations. The Igbo believed to hear the voices of their ancestors in the sound of those drums.

With a quick blow to the lateral opening in a sound similar to the bass sound of an Indian tabla. In addition, the entire body with your fingers or with the whole hand can be played. Mostly, both hands alternately beat on the side and the top opening, the openings being closed briefly. Through arise inside air movements that produce a variety of sound effects. The clay pot is played while standing tucked under the left arm or while sitting on the lap lying. It can be placed on the floor with state rings.

There are different variations such as the udu utar which has a flatter shape and the udu Udongo, which consists of two interconnected ensembles.

A slightly larger clay pot without side sound port in Togo called atukpen. A similar instrument in South India called ghatam.

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