Umuduri

The Umuduri is a musical bow from Rwanda. It is similar in structure and style of play of the Brazilian berimbau.

Description and Use

Umuduri the timber consists of a flexible rod of about 125 to 135 cm in length, the one string of metal wire (formerly intestine or vegetable fibers ) is tensioned. A hollowed-out gourd ( calabash ) serves as a resonance chamber. This is fixed with a loop on the string and rod and divides the string into two unequal lengths. To avoid the direct contact between the resonator and bow, a piece of cloth or a banana peel is usually used as a spacer.

The instrument is held vertically with the left hand in front of the body so that the pumpkin at the belly of the player is pressed. In his right hand the vessel rattle Inzebe and a rod are held, with the beats of the end of the game on the string. Due to the division of the string as two different sounds can be generated, which are usually about the fourth or fifth apart. The upper part of the string may be shortened by means of the index or middle finger, in turn, resulting in a second as the third interval.

The Umuduri is mostly played by the Hutu and finds many festivals and events use. The Umuduri is played normally without accompanying instruments. Despite their importance in the culture of Rwanda, the Umuduri there was only introduced in the 20th century and is actually due to Tanzania.