Buhay

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Buhay
HS#:232.11-92
Buhay
Classification
Related instruments

For another meaning, see Buhay Hayaan Yumabong


The Buhay (Ukrainian: бугай) ( also known as a Bugai, Buhai, Berebenytsia, Bika, Buga, Bochka). (From the Ukrainian word for Ox)

Hornbostel-Sachs classification number 232.11-92

The Buhay is a percussive that was used in Western Ukraine and is classified as a friction drum. It consists of a conical barrel (sometimes a wooden bucket). At one end a sheep membrane is stretched with a hole in this skin's center. Through this hole a tuft of horse hair with a knot at one end is passed. Usually two performers are needed to operate the instrument, one to hold the instrument, the other to pull the horsehair with moistened fingers. In recent times versions of the Buhay have been made which are held in position by the players feet allowing one player to play the instrument. These instruments can be played successfully by one player without assistance. Five to six different sounds can be obtained from the instrument, depending on the skill of the player.

The Buhay plays an important part in New Years and Christmas rituals.

It is used in works by the Ukrainian folk instruments orchestra.

The Buhai and local variants can also be found in Romania, Moldova, Hungary and Lithuania.

Ukrainian Buhay
Ukrainian Buhay

[edit] References

  • Humeniuk, A. - Ukrainski narodni muzychni instrumenty - Kyiv: Naukova dumka, 1967
  • Mizynec, V. - Ukrainian Folk Instruments - Melbourne: Bayda books, 1984
  • Cherkasky, L. - Ukrainski narodni muzychni instrumenty // Tekhnika, Kyiv, Ukraine, 2003 - 262 pages. ISBN 966-575-111-5