The entimbo is a long tubular-shaped percussion instrument measuring approximately 100 cm in height. The diameter ranges between 7 and 9 cm. The entimbo consists of a large bamboo stem with all the knots inside removed apart from the lowest knot.
The performer, who is always a man, bends his knees slightly and holds the entimbo with both hands vertically in front of him with the closed end pointing to the ground. The entimbo produces a dull sound as it is pounded on the ground, but compliments the timbres of the drums and rattles well. It is always played together with these instruments and is never played solo.
The entimbo was once a fixed feature in the ekitaaguriro dances of the Iru, but has since fallen into disuse.
for more information see also: VAN THIEL, Paul, "Multi-Tribal Music of Ankole. An ethnomusicological study including a glossary of musical terms." Edited by the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Annales, Sciences Humaines, nr 91, 1977, 234 pp.
© KMMA/Paul VAN THIEL