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These clappers are used to provide background rhythms to traditional Chinese storytellers as they recite poetry and stories. Although this is an old tradition, the effect is strikingly similar to today’s rap.
Ban
Asia
China

Instrument Information

Title

Paiban (Wooden clappers)

Alternative Title

Ban.; P'e pan; P'ai pan

Accession Number

0411

Collection

MIMEd; Reid Collection

Date Information

Date Made

Circa 1850

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Traditional instruments display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

Country

China

Description

Technical Description

Three tapered slats of polished dark wood, outer slats with bevelled outer faces, tied together by cord via two holes 80mm from narrow end. Width 47mm, widening to 58mm.

Provenance

Possibly collected by Professor John Donaldson

Classification

Instrument

Ban/Drums/Percussion/Musical Instrument ; Ban

Instrument Family

Percussion

Hornbostel Sachs Classification

111.12 ; musical instrument