Igbo Musical Instruments : A lost Art : Úbò

Úbò is an oval shaped instrument that takes the form of a calabash spilt into two and  carved with precision . úbò or úbò-aka has 8 metal strings/ keys which are strapped to a wooden soundboard and then hammered onto a half calabash. 

The written record

Historical context

Úbò

Form:

History:

Known to be the oldest musical instrument in Nigeria, Úbò aka was discovered by an archaeologist ( professor Thurstan Shaw ) in Igbo ukwu during the excavation of a site between 1959 and 1964. .  Its keys were crafted in bronze which had helped it survive 1000 years of degradation. In a show of good faith to the people of Igbo ukwu , Shaw insisted that all Igbo Ukwu finds ( including the oldest musical instrument to originate from Nigeria :  Úbò) be kept in Nigeria instead of being ceded to the British museum. Today you can find those well sort after artefacts and the lovely bronze Úbò in the National  museum Lagos and the state museum in Anambra state. 

Use:

The Úbò is used to tell stories sensitive with rich folklore and poetic songs , which communicate vital life lessons , songs of worship to deities etc. 

Classification

Úbò is classified as an idiophone which is a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by the vibration of the instrument itself. Through the metal keys, sound board and hollow behind, the úbò makes spirit filled sounds. It has room on both sides for grip by the player, showing the thoughtfulness of ancient Igbo craftsmanship. it is also known as the West aAfrica thumb piano.

Existential Threat

Although úbò survived the extinction of string musical instruments in ala igbo , it is still highly endangered it can’t be seen in most communities and has very few players today , because of this most wood carvers in alaigbo have seen the drop in demand and have stopped producing it.  Due to this , most upcoming wood carvers never learn the art of making an úbò. Ubo-aka are found commonly in Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Cross Rivers, and Bendel States.

Preservation Efforts:

Organizations like Center for memories ( Ncheta Ndigbo) have incorporated úbò into their retinue of  numerous musical instruments  used for welcoming guests into the museum run by the organization. it would be best in class for our government run museums at state and federal level to adopt such and also have it as a parting gift ( souvenir) in order to keep the trade of making this dying  musical instrument intact. Also, Traditional institutions should set up structures that will have an apprenticeship system for wood carvers across alaigbo.