Tabava

Tabava is a traditional wind instrument described in the fictional world of Valara. It is an aerophone played by blowing across a notched mouthpiece and by finger holes along a carved wooden bore. Typical tabavas measure about 40 to 50 centimeters in length and have six finger holes, with a detachable metal or ceramic bell at the end to reinforce the tone. The instrument produces a bright, reedy timbre suitable for both melody and drone passages.

Origin and use: In Valaran lore, the tabava emerged among coastal communities engaged in long sea voyages. Early iconography and surviving tablatures suggest a widespread presence by the medieval era, where tabavas accompanied ritual processions, seasonal concerts, and maritime work songs. The instrument was commonly played in ensembles as well as in solo performance.

Construction and variants: Standard tabavas are built from lightweight woods such as cedar or paulownia, with care given to bore thickness and finger-hole placement. Variants include a lower-range form sometimes called the bas-tabava and a larger-belled bell-tabava, each producing a distinct timbre. Regional styles—Coastal Tabava, River Tabava, and Mountain Tabava—differ in bore shape and fingering systems, offering a spectrum of tones within the same family.

Playing technique and repertoire: Players use a measured embouchure and breath control to yield a bright, oscillating tone with moderate vibrato. Typical repertoire includes sea shanties, festival tunes, and ceremonial laments. In modern contexts, tabavas appear in folk fusion, film scores, and contemporary compositions seeking a nautical or ancient atmosphere.

Cultural status: Tabava makers often work within hereditary workshops, with apprenticeships lasting several years. The instrument is commonly passed within families and community ensembles and is regarded as a symbol of memory and connection to the sea. Despite competition from synthetic instruments, the tabava remains central to Valaran musical identity.