Umudende

The umudende belongs to the group of narrow cylindrical bells and is the only one of its kind still used in Burundi.

The umudende is formed by bending a thin iron sheet into a narrow cylinder (9-14 cm in length and 1.8-2.5 cm in diameter) that narrows towards the top like a funnel. At the top of the sheet is a narrow projecting tongue of metal that is folded inwards, forming a hook for the narrow clapper (6-10 cm).

For more information consult the following publications edited by the RMCA:

• GANSEMANS, J. Les instruments de musique du Rwanda. Étude ethnomusicologique, Annales RMCA n° 127, 361 pp. + 102 photos
• Compact Disc :
  • Rujindiri, maître de l’inanga (fmd 186)
  • RWANDA : Polyphonie des Twa (fmd 196)
  • Musiques du Rwanda (fmd 206)

© KMMA/Jos GANSEMANS