Wood Block

Description

A simple and indispensable time keeper for any drum ensemble, including drum circles. Carved from a solid piece of either Padauk (red)  or Oma (brown) hardwood, the “Okpokolo,” as its called in it’s native Ibo part of Nigeria, produces a fat, hollow, and sweet woody clave-like tonality that is easily heard over even the loudest of other instruments. The wood block is hollow with a deep slit along one edge for a striking area. The red wood block generally has a sharper pitch than brown wood but sounds do vary, no exact standard. Wood blocks are hand made, approximate sizes are; 9″ long, 4″ wide, 1.5″ tall.