Tratats

Tratats are a fictional class of ceremonial wooden instruments described here as part of a hypothetical culture. They are typically used in pairs or small ensembles to accompany dance and storytelling. The name derives from the fictional Lorian language, where tratat is said to mean echo or resonance.

Origin and history: In the imagined history, tratats emerged in coastal cities of the archipelago of Valora around the 12th century, evolving from simple clappers into more complex sets by craft guilds. They gained prominence during seasonal rites and were later incorporated into urban performances. Modern fictional scholarship traces their spread to neighboring islands through trade routes.

Design and variants: Tratats consist of flat wooden bars or blocks connected by a leather strap or thin cords, with a central resonance cavity carved into the underside. They range from small handheld units about 15-25 cm long to larger versions up to 45-60 cm. Some variants feature carved inlays, tuned holes, or attached metal discs to alter timbre. Performance typically involves striking the bars with a padded mallet or flicking them against the palm to produce crisp percussive clicks and short tonal notes.

Cultural role: In ritual contexts, tratats signify communal memory and are used to mark transitions in ceremonies, such as arrivals, harvests, and the telling of myths. Apprentices learn motifs and sequences through repetition, with solo passages contrasted against ensemble sections.

Modern use: In contemporary storytelling and world-building, tratats appear as symbolic artifacts in music and theater imagined from the fictional culture; they are described as portable, durable, and expressive.