An Ekwe is an Igbo traditional musical instrument. The ekwe is a type of drum with rectangular cavity slits in the hollowed out wooden interior. The ekwe is made out of wood and most commonly a tree trunk.
The ekwe comes in a variety of sizes and designs and each size is determined by the purpose it is being used for.
An ekwe can be used for traditional cultural events, or it can be used for music. The ekwe is also used as a type of talking drum communicating, in the past, with others at long distances. The ekwe's rhythm gives different rhythms from celebration to emergencies.
It is designed to echo, and that echo is the uniqueness of the instrument.
It is the first sound of call to any activity or event. In some cases, especially when only played, it speaks to the soul. People react to it by dancing in celebration or crying or being sober.
God Bless The People of Igbo Land!
ChaChaCha Igbo kwenu!
