sigu

Sigu is a term that can refer to multiple things in different cultural and linguistic contexts. In music, the most common reference is to a traditional Chinese percussion instrument used in ensembles and theatre.

The sigu is a small, often double-headed drum mounted on a frame and played with sticks (or hands, depending on style). It produces a bright, penetrating tone and is used to provide rhythmic accents in Chinese opera, temple music, and regional folk ensembles. Construction varies by locale but typically involves a wooden or bamboo frame, drumheads made from animal skin, and tensioning hardware. It is commonly performed in pairs or groups to create a layered percussion texture and can function as a timekeeper or signal within a rhythm section.

Outside Chinese music, sigu may appear as a place name or personal name in various languages, or as an acronym or code in organizational, academic, or administrative contexts. In such cases, the term is unrelated to the Chinese instrument and its meaning derives entirely from local usage.

Etymology and usage: In Chinese contexts, sigu is the romanization of specific characters; the exact spelling and meaning can vary regionally, and scholars distinguish it from other drum terms. Because of its polysemous nature, readers should rely on contextual clues to identify the intended referent.