Atoke

Atoke, also apitua, dawuro, banana bell, toke bell, slit bell, boat bell, is a boat-shaped serveidiophone made of forged iron of the Ewe in Ghana and beyond in West Africa.
== Spread ==
The origin of atoke lies in Ghana, Togo and Benin. It can now also be found in Senegal and other countries in West Africa and is part of the sound of many Percussionsensembles. The atoke is an integral part of traditional Ewe and Aschanti music.
The similarity between the atoke and the Javanese kemanak was discussed until the middle of the 20th century by representatives of diffusionism, among them Arthur Morris Jones and [ [Jaap Kunst]], alongside the xylophone, is used as evidence of an early spread of Indonesian cultural elements to Africa.Arthur Morris Jones: Indonesia and Africa: The Xylophone as a Culture-Indicator . In: African Music, Vol. 2, No. 3, 1960, pp. 36–47, here p. 40
== Design ==
The atoke is available in sizes between 15 and 30 centimeters long and weighs up to 500 grams. It is made from an elongated sheet of iron up to 5 millimeters thick hand-forged. The smaller the atoke, the higher the tone produced. The idiophone, like an African single or double bell, produces a bright, penetrating, dry and short sound.
== How to play ==
The instrument lies in the hand and is struck on both upper edges with an iron pin. The sound of the atoke can be varied by opening and closing the palm. The atoke is occasionally used as a replacement for the double bell gankogui. It is suitable for accent play. Traditionally, the atoke is played in West African percussion ensembles to the drum dunun and serves as the meter for the ensemble.
== Web links ==
* Sound sample Ashanti in Ghana (MP3 audio)
* Atoke Demonstration (Video)
== Individual evidence ==
Category:Percussion idiophone
Category:African Musical Instrument