A Study of Traditional Musical Instrument Making and Its Cultural Significance in Anambra State

Traditional musical instrument making is both a craft practice and a form of material cultural preservation, and documenting its current state among specialist craftsmen in Anambra State provides important data for understanding the sustainability of Igbo musical heritage. This study examined traditional Igbo musical instrument making in Oguta and Nnewi North Local Government Areas, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, with in-depth interviews conducted with eight instrument makers and six Igbo music scholars, supplemented by photographic documentation of instruments and construction processes. Analysis documented the materials, tools, techniques, and cultural knowledge embedded in the production of selected instruments including the ichaka, oja, okonitolo, and udu. Results showed that specialist knowledge of instrument construction is concentrated among a small aging group of craftsmen, with limited active transmission to younger generations. Market demand for traditional instruments has declined significantly with the dominance of electronic music production equipment. Only two of the eight instrument makers derived their primary income from instrument production. Cultural ceremonies that require specific traditional instruments remain the strongest contemporary demand source. The study concludes that traditional Igbo instrument-making knowledge is at critical risk and recommends emergency documentation through the Anambra State Museum and cultural institution partnerships with the University of Nigeria Nsukka for systematic ethnomusicological preservation.

Keywords: musical instrument making, Igbo music, craft heritage, Anambra State, cultural preservation