Udus
African Pot Drums

An Udu is a clay pot drum based on those created by the Ibo and Hausa tribes in Nigeria. ("Udu" means "pot" in the Ibo language.) This drum came about when some ancient village potters struck a second opening -a side hole- in a clay water vessel and discovered the beautiful sound it produced. This became the "side hole" pot drum. The deep, haunting tones it produced were thought by many to be the "voices of the ancestors." They were initially used in religious and cultural ceremonies.

Udu drums are not only beautiful to look at (they've been on display in several prominent museums), but from them you will hear deep bass tones, tabla-like qualities, the tonal variations of the African talking drum, and many other sounds. This makes the Udu well-suited to melodic as well as rhythmic articulations.

The basic playing technique includes - but is certainly not limited to - playing with the palm of the hand on the side hole while opening and closing the top hole in varying degrees with the other hand, and vice versa. By varying the type of stroke and the way in which you release your hand, you can coax many different tonal variations from the instrument.

You can also strike any part of the drum with your fingers, "slap" it, "slide" rhythms on it, or (carefully) strike it with a soft mallet-although this last technique is not so traditional. You can even put water into it and hear the tone change. Their distinct voice and ability to produce a wide palette of sound has captivated many musicians. .

UDU POT DRUMS FROM GHANA

		Description:  These Udus are excellent and come in 2 sizes with various patterns. (Sorry, we are sold out of the large size)They are hand made in Ghana and sound great!! We have them very reasonably priced for those who prefer to stick to the traditional form of Udu and have a beautiful looking instrument as well. This photo does not do justice to these drums! We can install a port in the udu to facilitate a microphone for live applications upon request for a nominal fee. Price:  $60.00 Mic Port Without Mic Port With Mic Port (Add $20.00) Size Small 12x8 12x8 Quantity: