Edasikandub

Edasikandub is a traditional wind instrument associated with the ceremonial practices of the fictional Aravari people in the eastern highlands. The instrument is designed as a tubular wooden or bamboo body, with a carved head and a set of six to eight finger holes along the length. Some variants incorporate a gourds-based resonator to enrich the tone. The mouthpiece is constructed to produce a bright attack, and the instrument is played by directing air across it; pitch is produced by opening and closing the finger holes and by changes in embouchure.

Etymology and design notes: The name edasikandub is of local origin, with scholars linking it to terms related to sound and community gathering. Among players, regional dialects influence slight variations in size, bore, and hole placement, which in turn affect tonal color and ease of fingering.

Performance practice: Edasikandub figures primarily in harvest festivals and communal dances. It accompanies drums and chants and often serves as a lead melodic instrument within an ensemble. Repertoire typically employs pentatonic scales and invites melodic improvisation within a defined rhythmic framework.

History: The edasikandub first appears in regional records dating to the 18th century. A mid-20th-century revival movement helped standardize some forms and encouraged artisan makers. Contemporary versions preserve core construction while experimenting with resonators and materials.

Contemporary status: Today, edasikandub is taught in cultural centers and performed at regional events. It also appears in select world-music collaborations, though it remains most closely tied to its home region. Preservation efforts focus on training makers, recording performances, and sustaining traditional repertoire.