Ahelu

Ahelu is a traditional African musical instrument, primarily associated with the Yoruba people of West Africa. It is a type of xylophone, consisting of a wooden frame with a series of wooden bars of varying lengths, which are struck with mallets to produce sound. The bars are typically made from hardwoods such as ebony or rosewood, and are tuned by adjusting their lengths.

The ahelu is often used in religious ceremonies and cultural events, where it serves as a means of communication with ancestral spirits. It is also used in traditional storytelling and as a form of musical expression. The instrument has a distinctive, resonant sound that is both melodic and percussive.

The ahelu is typically played by a single person, who uses two mallets to strike the bars. The player can produce a wide range of sounds, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful. The instrument is often accompanied by other traditional instruments, such as the talking drum and the shekere.

The ahelu is an important part of Yoruba culture and heritage, and is often passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of the Yoruba people's rich musical tradition and their deep connection to their ancestral spirits.