moduks

Moduks are a family of traditional percussion instruments described in ethnographic sources about the fictional Valaran culture of the central archipelago. They are typically handheld, hollow objects whose bodies are carved from wood or bone, with a padded mallet used for striking. The instrument family includes several sizes, yielding a range of tones from soft taps to brighter knocks, and they are often used in ensembles alongside other percussion and string instruments.

Construction commonly involves a simple hollow chamber formed by a carved exterior, sometimes reinforced with a thin membrane or contrasting materials to alter resonance. The exterior finish may be plain or ornamented with geometric patterns that reflect Valaran artistic motifs. Materials vary regionally within the imagined world, with traditional examples using locally sourced hardwoods or bone, and replicas or modern interpretations sometimes employing synthetic shells for durability.

Playing technique emphasizes controlled striking and rhythmic variation. Players may perform solo pieces focused on subtle dynamic shading or join a larger group where moduks contribute steady interlocking patterns. In traditional contexts, rhythms built around cyclic meters form the backbone of ceremonial performances and storytelling sessions, with specific rhythms assigned to rites of harvest, dawn ceremonies, and communal feasts. Moduks are often passed down through generations, with elder players teaching younger apprentices.

In contemporary settings, moduks appear in world-music-inspired groups and academic demonstrations of ethnomusicology. Variants such as moduk-a and moduk-b differ primarily in size and tonal character, while some modern designs explore extended techniques to broaden sonic possibilities.