Afiw

Group: Bontoc

Photograph copyright: F. de Jager

Classification

Idiophone, jaw harp

Description

Made of brass; the instrument is held horizontally with the metal tongue in front of the opened mouth. The left end is either hit by the thumb of the right hand or plucked (see photograph below). This makes the metal tongue vibrate which causes a sound. The mouth serves as a resonator and by changing the shape and size of the mouth opening, the overtones can be changed, thus creating a melody. By strongly breathing in or out the volume can be changed as well.

The string is made of wool.

Dimensions: length: 11,5 cm., width: 1,3 cm.

The Afiw is held before the opened mouth
Photograph copyright: F. de Jager - Courtesy Philippine Council for Living Traditions

Remarks

Ethnic group: Bontoc
Location: North Luzon (Cordillera)

Similar instruments, mostly made of bamboo, are played all over the Philippines. We mention:
- Hanunoo, Mindoro; kinaban
- Atta, SE Mindanao; kubing
- Maranao, Central-west Mindanao (muslim south), kubing
- Manobo, SE Mindanao; kumbing