Construction and preliminary studies of the 3-6-(7) tones Oja

Abstract

Common in the eastern parts of Nigeria among Igbos, the oja is a Nigerian wooden flute. More like a whistle with its rich sharp tone, the oja is an end blown flute about 14–16 cm long with a narrowed, hollowed cavity running down its entire length and another across its width. These form three holes that can be covered in various combinations with the fingers of both hands, giving the flute a range of about a sixth or a seventh depending on the master player. The mouthpiece is “U” or “V” shaped. With the three holes, it is expected that there would be three distinct pitches produced from the “oja” but more than three tones can be heard or sounded. This paper showcases the construction of oja flute, and presents preliminary studies on how the sixth can be realized. Pictorials, data, and videos of practical experience are presented to support the theoretical discourse.