Akpata
Akpata (bow lute) is a harp-like instrument made of wood and strings which makes a sound like a guitar. They continue to be used for entertainment during special festivals and ceremonies. Historically, the Akpata was one of the key musical instruments alongside the Asologun played by Edo musicians to accompany narrators during storytelling (Ben-Amos, 1975, p.25 ).
The distinctive instrument is made from soft wood, while the seven rods are made from branches of a bush which is also known as Akpata. The strings are made from metal or palm-tree fibre, and ‘rattlers’ are made from palm-tree seeds. The strings and the rattlers are the noise-making components (Ben-Amos, 1975 ). The Akpata can be seen represented on some of the cast relief plaques.
Educational Material
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