The Ikoro: POBphotocontest New Round: Wood
This image you see here, called Ikoro, is a wooden ancient instrument popularly used by the South Eastern part of Nigeria - the Igbo tribe.
It is a slit drum that consists of two horizontal slits made from the great Oji - Iroko tree (Milicia excelsa), usually beaten with a stick or sticks or fists and produces a distinctively hollow sound when beaten.
The Ikoro is a beautiful piece of art, which is used as a means of conveying message in the community or a musical instrument for festivals.
Being a special instrument, it is not beaten by everybody, only the men assigned to do so have the right to beat it.
Also it is not beaten just anyhow or at anytime one wishes, that is why whenever an Ikoro sounds in a community, everyone in that community will start rushing to the village square to know the reason the call.
Some of the reasons that might warrant the beating of the Ikoro are;
A calamity has befallen the land like outbreak of sickness, massive deaths, unproductive farm lands etc.
Outbreak of war or celebration of victory in war.
The land has been defiled
A murder case
Ceremonies like new yam festival, crowning of a king, marriage celebrations, birth of crown prince in the kingdom etc.
Other things to note about the Ikoro is that the size is enormous, therefore it cannot be carried by one person nor is it moved from place to place, rather it has a fixed place where it is kept, usually at the village square or any other designated place.
I captured this image the day I went for a funeral ceremony at one village in Umuahia, Abia State.
I was so excited because it has been a long time I saw one last.
Well that's all about the Ikoro, hope you enjoyed reading, please do let me know.
This is my entry to the POBphotocontest New Round: Wood
Still the #threadsaddict 😂
All Images Are Mine And Are Rights Reserved
The ikoro drum looks mystical. It sure looks heavy, only men with muscles can lift it up.
Happy Sunday
You are right, there are so many mysteries surrounding the Ikoro, especially from it's origin to the carvers.
Strong able bodied males are the only ones who can lift it or even beat it.
Wow amazing, well it's all part of what makes Eastern culture deep.
Happy new week
Yes it is, just like every other culture has unique things about them.. Happy new week too.
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Thanks
This was quit new and interesting as well for me …I thought such cultures might exist back in 15th century when drum was beaten ti tell news and announcement but it was astonishing to see it exists yet too
I'm glad you found the post exciting. There are so many cultural practices that are still practiced till today. That is their identity.
I appreciate your feedback.
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The ikoro is used by instrumentalist always great Cerebration
#dreemerforlife
You are right, especially in the burial ceremony of a titled man or elderly person in the community including other celebrations.
Yes
I remember seeing one in an Igbo village, they are big and amazing!
Huh, you have been to the Igbo land before? Wow this is amazing.
Where exactly was it?
Wow!! We have this instrument in our church, our women fellowship use it to do their ministration in church every Sunday.
I never knew it means so much to some cultures. Thanks for that information
#dreemerforlife #dreemport
Really, that's wonderful. I'm sure you do enjoy the sound
Yes of course
Wow, this is the first time I am seeing this type of instrument, let me quickly go and show it to my Igbo friend to know if they have seen it before…
Thanks for this awesome post…
#dreemerforlife
Hehehe, please do let's see if they know about it.
I'm glad you enjoyed it
I've always hated the sound of this drum maybe because it is made of iron.😀 The sound always irritates my ear drum and sometimes they tend to make it noisy during announcing.
#dreemerforlife