Description: The
birimbau is a single string "monochord" percussion instrument that is
struck with a small shaft it is accompanied by other percussion
including the “ca-xi-xi”. The origins of the birimbau are not all that
clear it is likely the birimbau is of African origins. Similar
musical-bows are found in Central and South Africa. In Brazil the bow
as a musical instrument is not used either by the Indigenous or
European peoples. The birimbau is traditionally associated with
Capoeira and Candomble-de-caboclo. Capoeira is a dance and concealed
martial art form that was secretly developed by the slaves in colonial
times. Currently the birimbau is making its way through many different
communities outside of Brazil and within the Brazilian Diaspora. The
Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell De Aghuino [b. 1937 d. 2000] spoke of
the birimbau in a popular song whose lyrics are co-written by Vinicius
De Moraes.
Playing Techniques:
When the birimbau is played it is vertically held from floor to the
face and struck with a small stick called a [baqueta]. Only two notes are produced during
performance. The birimbau is played by holding it up vertically and
close to the chest while the left hand changes the pitch while right
hand strikes the birimbau during performance. The birimbau is used to
keep the tempo of a rhythm during Capoeira and other dances. Nowadays
the birimbau is adopted as a percussion instrument to which it has
found its way through jazz, popular, and world music.
Anatomy of the Birimbau: The
bow is called [verga] that is made from a long branch of hard and
flexible "biriba" wood [rolinia mucosa]. The estimated length of the
birimbau can range from 1.2 to 1.3 meters. A steel wire called the
[arame] is usually packaging wire or break cable would be wrapped
around both ends creating the bow. A hollowed out, dried and cut gourd
called [Cabaça] is attached to the back of the bow as an acoustic
chamber. The [Pedra or Dobrão] is usually a small stone, coin or brass
disc that is used to change the tone. A small shaft used to strike the
birimbau is called the [Baqueta]. Since the 1950s the birimbau became
more increasingly decorative with fancy patterns and multiple bright
colours. This appealed to a local Bahian and Brazilian taste; current
makers do apply this trend to a tourist based market. Professional
quality birimbau are often plain.
The Caxixi: The caxixi pronounced “ca-shee-shee” is a percussion instrument that accompanies the birimbau, is of an ancient African origin. At first it was used in ceremonies to call enchanted spirits later in Brazil it became popular to play as a companion to the birimbau. The caxixi is hand made from woven rattan and small pebbles, shells or lead-shot. A small piece of thick leather or gourd is used to complete the caxixi and add weight to the instrument.
Foot notes: Most caxixi are sold with the birimbau together as a set in which mine came with the birimbau.