Umuduri
Umuduri , also umuduli or umunahi , is a large musical arc in Rwanda and Burundi that is played to accompany songs that tell stories from everyday life.
Description and use
The umuduri consists of a flexible wooden stick about 125 to 135 cm long to which a string made of metal wire (formerly intestine or plant fibers) is stretched. A hollowed out pumpkin ( calabash ) serves as a resonance body . This is attached to the string and rod with a loop and divides the string into two unequal lengths. To avoid direct contact between the resonator and the arc, a piece of fabric or a banana peel is usually used as a spacer.
The instrument is held vertically in front of the body with the left hand so that the pumpkin is pressed against the player's stomach. In his right hand the vessel are rattling inzebe and held a staff with which the game player strikes the string. By dividing the string, two different tones can be generated, which are usually about a fourth or fifth apart . The upper part of the string can again be shortened using the index or middle finger, which results in a second as the third interval.
The umuduri is mostly played by the Hutu and used at many festivals and events. The umuduri is normally used to accompany singing. Other accompanying instruments for solo singing are the trog zither inanga and the single-stringed bowl lute iningiti (similar to the zeze ). Despite its great importance in the culture of Rwanda, the umuduri was only introduced there in the 20th century and is believed to come from Tanzania .
Web links
- Traditional music Rwanda filmed by African Dream Tours. Youtube video ( umuduri and vocals)
- Umuduri . African Museum Brussels / Ghent