SOCIO-CULTURAL FUNCTIONS OF IBIBIO TRADITIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

This work focused on four selected traditional musical instruments: The Xylophone (ikon eto), Drums (ibid), Lute (Ndidu) and Horn (Oduk) from the different classes of African musical instruments under Curt Sachs’ and Hornbostel’s criteria. It is worthy of note that Ibibios are endowed with varieties of musical instruments, constructed, tuned and performed by them. But despite the numerous functions entrenched in Ibibio traditional musical instruments, most of them have been abandoned, in preference to western musical instruments. It is also obvious that Ibibio has lost so much values attached to its traditional musical instruments. On this note, this paper would bring to light the socio-cultural functions of these instruments in order to restore the lost values and also change the perception toward its full utilization. The paper would also discuss these instruments in relation to the following areas; physical features/construction, techniques of performance, maintenance, musical functions and extra musical functions, performance norms and cultural implications. The method of data collection for this study involved interviews and field observation. Books, journal articles and other relevant materials were consulted and utilized for this study. This research has shown that Ibibio are gifted with variations of musical instruments of which their use is not limited to purely musical functions. Also, the study has encouraged all and sundry to take full advantage of the rich content of African/Ibibio indigenous music, by giving equal attentions to the learning of both traditional and western musical instruments in the various institutions of higher learning. This is in order to achieve a balanced musical art that will be profitable to both Africans and the western world.