Monday, October 11, 2010

African Instruments And Their Histories

By Douglas Etri

You will find various musical instruments all over the world, some of them may be not known to many individuals while you will find a few that might be known but they are much less attended to. However because of how boundaries have become gradually removed due to technology, more and more individuals find out about the different musical devices. One of the countries that have the most colorful pieces of music is Africa. And the African instruments have even a lot more vibrant stories behind them.

It is a wonder how despite Africa's being a culturally varied continent there are still a lot of things that could be attributed to them as one people. This world will probably be a much more peaceful and much far better place if everybody will just see through that there is still a common denominator to everyone despite all of the difference.

Some people might be asking what these instruments that most African tribes use and what the significance of every piece is. Here are a few of the instruments and the corresponding history bits about them:

*The drums tend to be primarily made out of wood and then are covered by animal hide and fiber. These are used for almost every special occasion that is from cheerful weddings to depressing funerals.

*The iron gongs as well as the gong beater made of wood are usually used by the male members of the tribes to assist in the conferences of organizations or the tribes.

*The wood gourd or sistrum is played in events of transitions or that of welcoming the youngsters in the associations that promote their understanding.

*Another typical and easily recognizable piece among the African instruments is actually the wooden trumpet which is utilized in the professional associations. The trumpets are played to celebrate the advancements or promotions of individual's status in the organization.

*The bells are usually made from iron, copper and metal alloys of various forms. These are worn throughout battle for protection and to induce fear in their opponents.

*The harps on the other end are made of hide, wood or metal. The actual harps are played in order to entertain individuals and also to cheer up various group events.

Indeed there are a lot more stories behind the other instruments in Africa, these colorful stories could often be used to understand how these people behave and act. Now that people have opened up to embracing different cultures and to understanding people more, the picture of Africa has changed all over the world.

If one will just see through their music and their love for culture, there is no sense in ever feeling that Africans are the type of people who are very clingy to their group. The key to understanding they say is music. Who knows? There could be more people who would love African culture after all because of the African instruments.

Even the very popular blues and jazz of North America is inspired by the vibrant music of Africa! One can by no means argue any longer against music's binding power. Exactly how peaceful could this world be if all individuals were just to sing to their heart's content and end up forgetting about everything that pains them?

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