Sticks, stones, shells and strings – how could you make music from all of these things?
If you explore the diverse cultures from the Asian-Pacific region you’ll find some truly beautiful and unique musical instruments fashioned from these materials. And most of them date back at least several hundred years as part of the music, dance and ritual of these beautiful regions. Here are 6 of our favorites, plus lots of links to activites and free resources.
Sticks – Pu’ili
Although bamboo grows throughout almost all the countries of this region, Hawaii and Polynesia have fashioned dried bamboo into rhythm sticks used as part of the hula tradition. You can read more about how pu’ili – bamboo rhythm sticks – or check out an easy craft to make your own here:
Make Your Own Pu’ili Sticks Pu’ili Hula Demonstration Stones
‘Ili’ili are smooth river rocks, held in a dancer’s hands and plated almost like castanets. Used as a part of a special kind of hula, called hula ‘ili’ili, these basic instrument made from stones can inspire all kinds of easy rhythmic play for kids.
Shells
Did you know there were special conch-shell trumpets used by the Samurai? Although similar instruments are also seen in Korea, Tibet and the Pacific Islands, here’s a short post about how specially crafted shell trumpets were used by both Buddhist monks and warriors in ancient Japan.
Rattles
The bolang gu (波浪鼓); also called a monkey drum or pellet drum is a unique rattle that dates back to the Song Dynasty of China. Also seen as part of religious ceremonies in Tibet, Mongolia, India, and Taiwan, this is an easy and fun instrument to make to explore any of these cultures or for general musical play with your child.
Strings
With roots in both Portuguese and Polynesian culture, the ukulele is a popular “first instrument” for many kids to try. Learn more about it’s background or color your own version here:
History and Background of the Ukulele Ukulele Coloring Page 2 Strings That Sing
Although you might not recognize the name of this instrument, you’ve certainly heard the sound of this 2 stringed violin called an erhu. Dating back to the Xi people of Central Asia, this beautifully bowed instrument is now popular in Chinese orchestras and modern musical ensembles as well as in jazz, pop and even rock groups around the world. Learn more about the erhu or color your own version at the links below.
What Can An Erhu Do? Color An Erhu
What other Asian-Pacific instruments do you know? We would love for you to share them with us!
Daria
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