Firikyiwa

Description

Toney, hollow, and penetrating sound considering the small size of this metal…castanet? clave? bell!? It has a sound that holds its own throughout the drum ensemble. Like most West African bells, these are made from salvaged scrap metal selected for good sound qualities. It is a two part instrument including the bell pod, which slips over the first or middle finger, and a metal thumb striker. We are not sure the exact origin of this instrument but it is common throughout Ghana. Also called dodonpo, variations can be found in neighboring countries.