Bottle Drums

This percussion bottle is held in the lap and the chamber opening holes are played with both hands.

Udu means vessel in Nigerian Igbo language, and this style drum was played by women for ceremonial uses. You can add a bit of water to change the pitch, but it really isn't needed. Many of these are a simple bottle with a side hole, but this design offers a much wider sound range and melodic option. When not amplified this instrument creates a soft and subtle sound, great combined with other 'quiet' instruments like flute, rattles, and small drums!