A Study of Construction Techniques, Structure and Tuning System of Agidigbo (thumb-piano) among the Oyo-Yoruba People

Abstract

The Yoruba people of Nigeria has their own indigenous musical instruments which they made from local materials and indigenous technological knowledge. This study specifically analyze and document the construction techniques and tuning system of the Agidigbo among the Yoruba people. The research method used for data collection was both primary and secondary methods. The primary method involve field investigation with the makers of Agidigbo in order to observe the process and conduct oral interview. The secondary source includes the review of related literature on the construction techniques in African musical instruments. Research findings also reveals that the construction of Agidigbo is rooted in the Yoruba indigenous technological knowledge credited to an unknown family. Agidigbo is constructed in same shape but in different sizes in order to achieve different pitches in sound and qualities. The combination of these pitches and rhythms during performances produces the desired percussive melodies and patterns. This study herby concludes that when we consider the construction, tuning and playing techniques of Agidigbo in Yoruba culture, we would accept the fact that our fore-fathers have made an important contribution to the Yoruba’s indigenous knowledge in the traditional musical instrument construction techniques, as well as given us a noble art which should be improve upon. Agidigbo are very significant in traditional Yoruba society and are of great importance which cannot be denied or forgotten.