Kettledrums
The Case of the Ethiopian Nägarit, Insignia of Ancient Royal Power
Keywords:
Nägarit, Kettledrum, Ethiopia, Haile Silassie, Ethiopian Orthodox churchAbstract
Like numerous kettledrums found in many parts of the world, the nägarit, a kettledrum of ancient Ethiopia, was predominantly considered as an emblem of power and authority. Nowadays its use has become practically non-existent. This study attempts to make a comprehensive representation of this drum. Subsequently, the ergology of the nägarit will be elucidated in terms of instrument making, size, material preference and lacing/tensioning designs. This is followed by the discussion on its history in use by past Ethiopian royal courts, its significance, function and role. Some questions related to history, geographic diffusion, detailed musical role and meaning, playing technics, and beating patterns might remain unanswered, because the nägarit is obsolete today in relation with its function as a court music instrument, even if it is still used in remote and ancient Ethiopian Orthodox churches.
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