The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria have a melodic style of music into which they incorporate various percussion instruments: The ogene, or African gong, is a hand bell designed from forged iron. Like in other parts of Africa, the bell is tapped in syncopated patterns in order to keep time. The specific cadence, or rhythm played may determine a completely different song and purpose. (see clave) The ogene depicts the strength and youthfulness of male dance/masquerade groups. The ogene also has a smaller size played by the women and children. The igba is a tom-tom that has a beating surface of the same approximate diameter as a bongo. An igba may be as small as 7 inches, or as tall as 3 feet. Traditionally, the deeper shelled igba are played with the hand, while the shorter drums are played with a curved stick. In an ensemble these drums often lead, and are used to "talk" by the talking drummers. By hammering on the tuning wedges which line the perimeter of the skin, the player tightens the drum's skin (usually made from antelope) to achieve the desired pitch and tone. An Ikoro is constructed from the very dense wood of a single hollowed log. By striking the proper surfaces, the drummer can produce two distinct tones. Ikoro players may either use a wooden stick or a rubber-tipped mallet. Naturally, a padded stick will produce a warmer, and more rounded tone, as opposed to the brighter, more harsh tones of a wooden stick striking the wood surface of the ikoro. The udu, is essentially an air-chamber drum, designed from a clay jug. The musician manipulates sound by tapping on one of two holes, thus pushing air through the other hole. Because of its construction and method of playing, it produces a very mellow tones. This may explain why the udu is considered feminine and is often the center piece of womens' dance groups. Other instruments include a woodblock known as okpola, a wind instrument similar to the flute, called an oja and the ichaka. The Igbos also have a style of music called Ikorodo, which is when all the musical instruments are played together with vocal accompaniment.
