Description: The Udu is a percussion instrument that can be classified as a "vessel drum" it is a hand-made and fired from "ferrous clay" meaning a certain amount of iron is present in the clay. The Udu is played amongst the Hausa, Ibo and the Igbo peoples of Nigeria. Originally the use of the udu was to be used as a water jug. In the languages of these peoples the word "udu" means "peace" or "vessel". In the Hausa and Igbo cultures the udu was traditionally played by the women. Today the Udu is now used and adapted into many different musical styles, from jazz, to rock, to classical and even Persian classical music. The udu was adapted by notable groups like the Kamkars and other Persian musicians. 

Playing Techniques: The left and right hands when striking the udu push a certain amount of air through the vessel. This leads to a deep resonant sound when played reminiscent to the Indian tablah.

Anatomy of the Udu: The specimen in my collection is hand made by a local craftsman in Vancouver. This design of udu has two main holes, including the top (being a sound whole) and more in the shape of a large water-vessel of sorts. Also many of the udu are made of different types of clay this can be noted by the appearance of different colours or shades, after the baking process.