Parojoba

The parojoba is an ancient kind of lithophone or rock gong, consisting of a large boulder of volcanic stone, like dolerite. When struck, usually with another volcanic stone, the boulder produces a metallic ringing pitch. Different areas of the boulder produce different pitches based on the stone’s geometry, allowing for relatively complex melodies to be played on a single parojoba. 
==History==
Oral history and wear marks on the boulders themselves suggest that some parojoba, discovered along the northern part of the Toc Paronra Sxiaij, have been played as far back as 12,000 years before present. These ancient instruments are often found in association with cave art and rock art dating to the same time, which implies a ritual quality to the parojoba. This makes sense, given some of these boulders can weigh many tons, and thus could not be moved easily if at all. The instruments were thus tied to locations that had a spiritual or symbolic significance. 
==Modern Usage==
The parojoba has had a resurgence in the modern era. Modern artists have reappropriated the traditional metallic sound of the parojoba through sampling and synthesizers. Additionally, there is a commitment to keeping the tradition of parojoba-playing alive, with concerts and festivals staged in situ in the northwest of the DSRR. 
Category:Objects