CHAPTER 39 : THE POSITION OF MEMBRANE DRUM (IBID) IN IBIBIO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY VIS-À-VIS AFRICAN CULTURE

Abstract

This research work on African membrane drum explores in details membrane drum as an indigenous instrument in African societies with a particular reference to Ibibio culture of Akwa Ibom State. In this regard, facts are gathered on its nature – through first-hand information by the instrument maker on its construction, its musical and extra - musical roles in the society. Membrane drums have both musical and non-musical functions in the traditional societies. Hence, methods used in collecting data was historical and descriptive approaches through primary and secondary sources. This work considers the study of membrane drum as the indigenous instrument in terms of its nature, classification, application and values. This involves the study of the material object, its context, mode of construction, tuning, care, playing techniques and its role in musical ensemble and in the society at large. Whereas as a part of study in ethnomusicology, the basic knowledge on the constructions and performances of indigenous musical instruments become indispensable. Thus, this work serves as a study in organology to provide detail guidelines and information on understanding this indigenous musical instrument of Africa. In addition, the procedures outlined in this work is to guide the users to develop their technological skills on the construction of the instrument, and to help individual attain the height of musical scholarship on skills and performance practice of membrane drum. While the study exposes certain performance techniques to drum players, it can help one to go beyond drumming within one's conventional cultural contexts and bound. Another historical significance is the retention of cultural values through its socio-cultural functions, its musical and extra-musical values in African environment. It recommends special training on construction and various playing techniques of membrane drums to music students.

Keywords: Membrane Drum, Construction, Playing Techniques, Musical Effect, Extra-Musical Effect.