Southeastern Nigeria
Igbo (Nri)

Wood, metal, calabash
Mid-20th Century 
Diameter: 19 inches
Idiophone – Lamellophones – Plucked

These calabash lamellophones called ‘Ubo aka,’ come from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.  They each have eight metal keys (lamellas) and are built from a half of a conical calabash with the keys held to a wooden soundboard by copper wire. The soundboard is nailed to the top of the calabash, which acts as a resonator for the keys. The ubo-aka is a musical instrument used as a communication medium in context sensitive with rich folklore and poetic song texts through which the folkways of the Nri people are orally transmitted, preserved, and perpetuated.  Hence ubo-aka music is a means by which Nri men interpret and communicate to one another their concept of life and all that characterize their daily existence.  In this connection, the music is a traditional document of daily life, philosophies, beliefs, and ethical values of Nri. 

The Nri Kingdom is considered the roots of the Igbos; their culture, language, and beliefs. The founder of this kingdom, Eri, is acknowledged as an individual of metaphysical origin, who came from another world or as some say, the space, to create the Nri civilization. The kingdom of Nri is known as “Oraeze Nri” in the Igbo language; it is a historical heritage of the Igbo people in Nigeria. Its capital was “Igbo Ukwu,” and its official language is “Igbo.” It had its currency known as “Okphogo”; it also introduced the cowrie currency as a medium of exchange and monetary value.

Sources:  Igbo ubo-aka : its role and music among the NRI people of Nigeria – UBC Library Open Collections;  The Nri Kingdom | Igbo Ancient Civilisation – Dakingsman