Pepa (instrument)

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia
(Redirected from Pepa (musical instrument))
Information red.svg
Scan the QR code to donate via UPI
Dear reader, We need your support to keep the flame of knowledge burning bright! Our hosting server bill is due on June 1st, and without your help, Bharatpedia faces the risk of shutdown. We've come a long way together in exploring and celebrating our rich heritage. Now, let's unite to ensure Bharatpedia continues to be a beacon of knowledge for generations to come. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let's preserve and share the essence of Bharat.

Thank you for being part of the Bharatpedia family!
Please scan the QR code on the right click here to donate.

0%

   

transparency: ₹0 raised out of ₹100,000 (0 supporter)


Pepa
Bihu dancer with a horn.jpg
A Bihu dancer blowing a Pepa.
Template:Infobox instrument/Classification
Related instruments
Kaali musical instrument derived from Pepa

The pepa (Assamese: পেঁপা) is a hornpipe musical instrument that is used in traditional music in Assam, India. In Boro language, it is known as Phenpha. It is usually made with the horn of a buffalo.[1]

Significance[edit]

"Pepa" is a hornpipe which has been used during Bihu celebrations since ancient times. It was mostly blown by the Deori priests in olden times to imitate the music needed to summon Tian gods, much like the Shofar used by Jews. Instruments similar to Pepa are also found among other Bodo-Kachari groups like Garo,[2][3] Tripuri,[4] Dimasa,[5] etc. The Tibetans, Khmers (Austroasiatic) and ancient Chinese also used similar instruments named Rwa-dun and Sneng for religious rituals. Later, it was used as a musical instrument for festive occasions like Bihu. An improved version of Pepa was also developed in the Chutia kingdom which was known as Kaali(made of copper) as mentioned in Deodhai Buranji(where Ahom king Suhungmung brought in Kaali instruments from Sadiya to Sibsagar).[6]

As the buffalo population is dwindling gradually in Assam due to shrinking pastoral lands, getting a pepa is currently very difficult. Cost of a pepa in market has even reached ₹2500 in recent years.

References[edit]

  1. Dilip Ranjan Barthakur (2003). The Music and Musical Instruments of North Eastern India. Mittal Publications. pp. 116–. ISBN 978-81-7099-881-5.
  2. Buffalo-horn is used as a music instrument among Garos
  3. Picture of a man playing a Garo Buffalo-horn
  4. Tripuri Horn Trumpet
  5. Dimasa Muri trumpet
  6. Baruah, Swarnalata. Chutia Jaatir Buranji. 2007, p. 350.

See also[edit]