An introductory study of music among the Kera
Instruments
Wind instruments
The parway is a short flute which can be played by any man. It is used mainly for the harvest festival (see festivals) and funerals. It is played up to the time of the sacrifice. This flute sets the melody and then another flute, the atal«wa, continues. Both of these flutes have finger holes. Traditionally, the parway is made from a millet stalk, but glass or plastic versions are now used.
The atal«wa is a longer flute which is made and used in much the same way as the parway.
The kelew is a horn, usually made by the player himself from the horn of a bull, deer, or similar animal. It can also be made out of wood. The kelew has three finger holes for changing the pitch, and is used extensively before and during the New Year Festival (see festivals). It is high-pitched, sounding more like a flute than a horn. There are three basic sizes of this instrument and people learn how to play one or other of them. Some put their left hand to their ear as they play. The holes in the instrument are not placed according to a measure, but rather, by sight. There is, however, a recognized position for them. They come close together about one third of the way down from the mouth piece.
Examples of melodies heard during the day:
These examples show that the instrument does not seem to be limited to five tones, although most of the music that I have heard seems to be limited to just two or three notes. One instrument that I heard seemed to have eight tones. This would suggest that overflowing is used. In some cases, the tuning involves four consecutive notes of the whole tone scale. Some of what I have heard could simply be children trying to play the instrument. The Kera do have some concept of a good player. I was told that anyone playing in a festival would be a good player.
The azimzima is a long, deep sounding horn consisting of a pipe with a gourd at the end to amplify the sound. The Tupuri people have the same instrument and use it for celebrations.
The atoltom can be a long, curved horn with one hole, or it can be a straight pipe getting wider toward the bottom end. This term is used in Bible translation for "the trumpet shall sound" as it is a loud instrument with is used to get people's attention. This instrument is often held with the left hand under the instrument. It is made out of a gourd and wood, with string connecting the two halves. The Tupuri also have this instrument.
The azimzima is a long, deep sounding horn consisting of a pipe with a gourd at the end to amplify the sound. The Tupuri people have the same instrument and use it for celebrations.
The atoltom can be a long, curved horn with one hole, or it can be a straight pipe getting wider toward the bottom end. This term is used in Bible translation for "the trumpet shall sound" as it is a loud instrument with is used to get people's attention. This instrument is often held with the left hand under the instrument. It is made out of a gourd and wood, with string connecting the two halves. The Tupuri also have this instrument.