THE SLIT WOODEN DRUM IN SOUTHERN REGION OF NIGERIA: MUSICAL AND EXTRA-MUSICAL VALUES

Abstract

Fhis research work is set to give a full descriptive and analytical study of the 'slit wooden drum' as an idiophone instrument. It is important to note that the slit wooden drum as an indigenous instrument has social symbolism and its cultural values in the society and not only as a mere instrument for musical performance alone. Therefore, using historical and descriptive approaches through primary and secondary sources, the study clearly examines the key areas in the study of the indigenous instrument vis-à-vis classificatory, analytical and applied. This implies the material object, its context, mode of construction, tuning, care and repair, playing techniques and is musical and extra-musical values. A theoretical and applied knowledge on the construction and performance on slit drum as the indigenous instrument is indispensable for the study of organology, which actually is a branch in ethnomusicology. Hence, this work is to serve as a written manual for other researchers, and as a part of study in organology. Significantly, it provides detailed information on how to construct slit wooden drum following the construction procedures meticulously. Another historical significance is the retention of cultural value through its socio-cultural functions (a giant slit drum symbolising a community's collective ethos and spiritual and political emblem). From the findings, it is realized that construction of the instrument needs much carefulness. And procedures must be diligently and tactfully followed before one can succeed in making a required kind of instrument with proper pitches and designs. In conclusion, slit wooden drum has musical values as rhythmic instrument, solo instrument, speech arrogate and in instrumental ensemble, while the extra musical purposes are for communication and cultural symbolism.