Calabash

Igbo Musical Instruments : A lost Art :Ichaka

Sound classification The Ichaka is made of gourd or calabash loosely covered with beads. When tapped or shaken it produces a rattling sound to compliment other instruments. When you shake an Ichaka, the beads force the walls of the gourd to vibrate, which is what makes it an idiophone. How it’s Made: The Ichaka The…

Igbo Musical Instruments : A lost Art : Úbò

Úbò Form: 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.  History: Known to be the oldest musical instrument in…

Akpelle Calabash Trumpets from Asaba, Nigeria (Described by G.T. Basden, 1921)

Photo of Daughter of Aboh Chief With Calabash, 1865-1880