Ripsaw is a style of Mento, which originates from the Turks and Caicos Islands (specifically in the Middle and North Caicos).[1] A very closely related variant, rake-and-scrape, is played in the Bahamas.[2] Its most distinctive characteristic is the use of the common handsaw as the primary instrument, along with various kinds of drums, box guitar, concertina, triangle and accordion.
Ripsaw is a unique fusion of Mento and Burru,[3][4] which replaces the grater (Instrument) used in traditional Mento with a handsaw (Instrument) to achieve a similar yet more variable sound.[5] The saw is played by scraping an object, usually an old knife blade, along the saw's teeth, while bending the saw to produce a different timbre. The sound is similar to a paper being ripped, and is believed to be the origin of the term ripsaw.
In the Bahamas, Cat Island is the only place to celebrate rake-and-scrape on a large scale. During June's Labour Day celebration, the island holds a Cat Island Rake and Scrape festival.
References
edit- ^ Annalisa Rellie; Tricia Hayne (2008). Turks & Caicos Islands: The Bradt Travel Guide. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-84162-268-2.
- ^ Bruno Nettl; Thomas Turino; Isabel Wong; Charles Capwell; Philip Bolman; Byron Dueck; Timmothy Rommen (25 September 2015). Excursions in World Music (6th ed.). Taylor & Francis (published 2012). pp. 312–317. ISBN 978-1-317-35029-3.
- ^ "Me and the Kingston Drummers(my drummer bros)". Kingston Drummers. Clarky di handdrummist. 2020. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
- ^ "Drummers link up in maroon town Portland, Jamaica". Portland Drummers. Clarky di handdrummist. 2020. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
- ^ "The Origins of Rake and Scrape Music featuring Lovey Forbes". Ripsaw Music featuring Lovey Forbes. Open Thought TV. 2018. Retrieved 2019-03-15.
External links
edit- Music in the Turks and Caicos Islands at Turks and Caicos Tourist Board
- Ripsaw Music & Our Musical Heritage, by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board.