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The exact history of the bodhran has never really been discovered. There are various theories regarding how the instrument came to be, as well as many theories relating to how the instrument has been used throughout its life. This article investigates these different theories and, examines how the bodhran is used today.

Where does the Bodhran come from?

As explained, there is no concrete evidence to pinpoint from where the bodhran emerged. However, there are a couple of theories which are considered to be the most probable answers. These two theories are: 1. The bodhran was invented in Ireland. At first, it was not used as a musical instrument. Instead, the bodhran was used for carrying, storage and serving food. It may also have been used on farms to sift grains from the chaff. 2. The bodhran originated from either Africa or Asia. It was then introduced into Ireland through established trading routes and Celtic migrations. Those who support this theory explain how ancient drums similar to the bodhran have been found within African and Asian cultures.

A painted bodhran drum.

Regardless of which, if either, theory is correct the bodhran has been embraced by Celtic culture. The instrument has a long history in Ireland. It was used during the Irish Rebellion of 1603 in which Gaelic forces fought against the forces of English Queen, Elizabeth I. Evidence suggests that the Gaelic forces used the bodhran to provide cadence for the pipers and soldiers to keep to. It was also used to announce the arrival of an army into battle.

In Ireland, the bodhran is also a popular instrument that is played during harvest festivals, St. Stephen’s Day, and in mummers plays (Irish folk plays) where the wren boys traditionally beat bodhran drums.

Origin of the Name

As with the origin of the instrument, there are various theories as to where the name derives. Some believe it to have originated from the Irish word, bodhor, which translated means ‘soft sounding’. The word bodhran could also have had its origins in the similar Irish word, bodhar, which means ‘deaf’. As with everything about this instrument, it’s a bit of a mystery!

Modern History

Although considered an old instrument, the bodhran has only become popular within the last forty years. This is mainly thanks to the Irish composer, Seán Ó Riada, who many credit with the re-igniting of public interest in traditional Irish music. During the 1960′s, his groups would play many traditional instruments, including the bodhran, which until then had decreased in popularity. However, once their music was heard around the world the public once again became interested in the traditional music and its instruments.

Although it is an instrument of mysterious origins, it cannot be denied that the bodhran has now become popular throughout the world. The instrument is enjoyed by many different people across many different countries.

Here is our collection of bodhran.

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Introduction

Africa is a vast continent with an immense history and numerous cultures. As such, there are also a great number of different instruments throughout the land. This article will introduce some of the most common ones and their place in African culture.

The Instruments

	Cabasa (also known as axatse or shekere) – The cabasa is an African instrument made from gourd and is covered with seeds or shells. It is played by striking on the legs and hands in different combinations. Hitting the top of the instrument produces a deep drum-like tone.Because gourds are used to make the instruments, and they all differ in shape, no two cabasas ever produce the same sound. The instrument is used in folkloric music, particularly by the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
	Agogô (also known as cowbell or gonkogui) - Like the cabasa, the agogô is an African instrument that has it’s roots in Yoruba music. The two bells on the agogô differ in size; the smaller bell produces a high tone whilst the larger bell produces a low tone.The agogô is considered to be among the oldest samba instruments and is used in many Yoruba religious ceremonies. Through African slavery, the instrument was introduced into other countries and used in new religions established outside the African continent.
	Djembe – The djembe is an African instrument that emerged in the Mali Empire during the 12th Century. The drums vary in size but all have a skin covering which, when beaten with the hands in various rhythms, produces a wide range of tones.Many djembe drums are made from a single carved piece of wood and covered with a toughened goat skin.
	Juju – The juju is an African instrument made from dried palm nut shells and wood. The instrument is played very similar to a maraca with the shaking of one producing a percussive sound.Like many African instruments, the Juju is used during many Yoruba ceremonies. Today, it is used very frequently in Nigerian music.
	Talking Drum – The talking drum is a West African instrument which is shaped like an hourglass. Both ends of the drum have a head which is beaten with a stick. Tightening the strings of the drum can change the tone to such an extent that some tribes use the differing tones as a means of communication.The Talking Drum originated in the ancient Ghana Empire over one thousand years ago.
	Thumb Piano – There are hundreds of different thumb pianos on the African continent. The Mbira (left) is one such instrument. Constructed from hardwood and metal, the instrument is played by supporting the piano with one hand whilst using the thumb and index finger of the other hand to pluck the keys.Thumb pianos hold much religious and social significance in Africa. The Shona people of Zimbabwe have been using the Mbira for over 1500 years during their religious and social ceremonies.

The six instruments introduced above are just a few of the many that are used throughout Africa. There are literally thousands of different instruments used by hundreds of different tribes so obviously, we would be unable to cover every one of them! Please click the following link if you would like to see the African Instruments we have to offer.

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