| An Udu is a clay pot drum
based on those created by the Ibo and Hausa tribes in Nigeria. ("Udu"
means "pot" in the Ibo language.) This drum came about when
some ancient village potters struck a second opening -a side hole-
in a clay water vessel and discovered the beautiful sound it produced.
This became the "side hole" pot drum. The deep, haunting
tones it produced were thought by many to be the "voices of the
ancestors." They were initially used in religious and cultural
ceremonies.
Udu drums are not only beautiful to look at (they've been on display
in several prominent museums), but from them you will hear deep
bass tones, tabla-like qualities, the tonal variations of the African
talking drum, and many other sounds. This makes the Udu well-suited
to melodic as well as rhythmic articulations.
The basic playing technique includes - but is certainly not limited
to - playing with the palm of the hand on the side hole while opening
and closing the top hole in varying degrees with the other hand,
and vice versa. By varying the type of stroke and the way in which
you release your hand, you can coax many different tonal variations
from the instrument.
You can also strike any part of the drum with your fingers, "slap"
it, "slide" rhythms on it, or (carefully) strike it with
a soft mallet-although this last technique is not so traditional.
You can even put water into it and hear the tone change. Their distinct
voice and ability to produce a wide palette of sound has captivated
many musicians.
Hey, how about an instructional Udu video! Check out our video
page for "The How To Play Udu", by Burnt Earth. And
check out new Udu CD "Terra Cotta" at the bottom of the CD
page
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