INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

From left to right:
terkšlė, skrabalas, kleketas

SELF-SOUNDING INSTRUMENTS (IDIOPHONES)

Dzingulis is a staff with one, two or three branches, carved of wormwood or guelder rose wood, with a small bell or jingling metal.  The cane is decorated with ribbons, woven sashes, and cut plants such as flowers or rue.  Sound is produced by striking the instrument against the floor or ceiling.  The dzingulis was known throughout the territory of Lithuania.  It was used during wedding rituals, when wedding guests were invited to the wedding. 

Terkšlė – a handle with a wooden ratchet on its end, in a small wooden box.  A thin piece of the wood attached to the side of the box touches the gear.  As the box is spun around the handle, the thin piece of the wood clatters against the gears with a sharp, loud sound.  This was an instrument used to drive a herd of animals, or to frighten away birds.  The terksle was distributed throughout Lithuania.

Skrabalai – wooden bells in a trapezoid shape, made of ash, maple or birch, with one or two wooden tongues.  In the late 19th and early 20th century, skrabalai were also made of brass or tin.  The tone of the bell depends on its size; the skrabalai made of wood have a short, dry sound while those of metal resemble other bells.  Sound is produced by moving the bell, with the tongue striking the sides.  Skrabalai were tied to the necks of farm animals so that one could hear and know where they were grazing.  Occasionally they were also used as musical instruments.

Kleketas – a rattle made of oak, maple or ash wood.  A round handle with a rattle on its end is attached into a rectangular piece of wood.  As the rattle is moved by the handle, it makes a dry, sharp sound.  It was used in cowherd rituals as well as in church ceremonies.  This instrument is known throughout Lithuania.

Tabalai – One, two or three boards made of dry maple or ash which were hung from a tree, under the eaves of a house, by the storage barn or sauna.  Two long clubs were used to beat the tabalai.  The sound is short and harsh.  It was an instrument used to announce the driving of a herd, to call people to a gathering, the sauna or a meal, to report a fire or other events.  The tabalai were most widespread in Žemaitija, but were known also in Suvalkija. 
 

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