Ihorere ry’ abahigi

The ihorere ry’ abahigi is a wooden flute that is only used in hunting, just like the ihembe. Due to the decline in hunting activities, however, this instrument is gradually falling into disuse. Both the Hutu and the Twa used to play this flute to make signals during a hunt or to call off the hounds. Usually the flute has just two finger holes and is about 10.5 cm in length, including 6.5 cm for the acoustic section. The instrument is made of bamboo and comprises a hollow piece of stalk, with a mouthpiece in which a 1.3 cm opening is made.

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