Chimta
Encyclopedia
A Chimta literally means tongs
. Over time it has evolved into a traditional percussion instrument
of South Asia
by the permanent addition of small brass jingles. This instrument is often used in popular Punjabi folk songs, Bhangra music and the Sikh
religious music known as Gurbani Kirtan
.
The player of the Chimta is able to produce a chiming sound if he holds the joint of the Musical Instrument in one hand and strikes the two sides of the Chimta together. The jingles are made of metal and thus it produces a metallic sound and helps to keep up the beat of the song.
In Bhangra music as well or at weddings it is often combined with Dhol
and Bhangra dancers and helps to keep the tempo of the songs.
or iron
strip. The flat pieces of iron are two in number and they are pointed at one end. On the other end of the metal a ring is attached. The metal pieces of the chimta has bells or loose metal strips attached along the outer sides, side by side or at regular intervals. Sometimes seven pairs of the jingles are attached to it. The rings are plucked in a downward motion to produce tinkling sounds. Chimtas with large discs are used at rural festivals while ones with smaller discs are often used as an accompaniment to bhangra dancers and singers of traditional Indian hymns.
is famous for playing this instrument and introducing it globally, today great musicians like Kamal Heer
and Arif Lohar
plays this instrument. Also known as the "rusty tambourine sword", the chimta has been spotted being played by members of the experimental rock band His Name Is Alive
on recent tours.
Tongs
Tongs are used for gripping and lifting tools, of which there are many forms adapted to their specific use. Some are merely large pincers or nippers, but the greatest number fall into three classes:...
. Over time it has evolved into a traditional percussion instrument
Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
of South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
by the permanent addition of small brass jingles. This instrument is often used in popular Punjabi folk songs, Bhangra music and the Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
religious music known as Gurbani Kirtan
Kirtan
Kirtan or Kirtana is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed...
.
The player of the Chimta is able to produce a chiming sound if he holds the joint of the Musical Instrument in one hand and strikes the two sides of the Chimta together. The jingles are made of metal and thus it produces a metallic sound and helps to keep up the beat of the song.
In Bhangra music as well or at weddings it is often combined with Dhol
Dhol
Dhol can refer to any one of a number of similar types of double-headed drum widely used, with regional variations, throughout the Indian subcontinent and nearby regions. Its range of distribution in India and Pakistan primarily includes northern areas such as the Assam Valley, Bengal, Gujarat,...
and Bhangra dancers and helps to keep the tempo of the songs.
Construction and Design
The Chimta consists of a long, flat folded piece of metal steelSteel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
or iron
Iron
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. It is the most common element forming the planet Earth as a whole, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust...
strip. The flat pieces of iron are two in number and they are pointed at one end. On the other end of the metal a ring is attached. The metal pieces of the chimta has bells or loose metal strips attached along the outer sides, side by side or at regular intervals. Sometimes seven pairs of the jingles are attached to it. The rings are plucked in a downward motion to produce tinkling sounds. Chimtas with large discs are used at rural festivals while ones with smaller discs are often used as an accompaniment to bhangra dancers and singers of traditional Indian hymns.
Notable players
The Late Alam LoharAlam Lohar
Muhammad Alam Lohar was a prominent Punjabi folk music singer of Pakistan.He died in 1979 in an accident. He is also credited with popularizing the term and song Jugni.-Early life:...
is famous for playing this instrument and introducing it globally, today great musicians like Kamal Heer
Kamal Heer
-Compilations:-Music videos:-Videography:-Concerts/Tours:-Other:-Awards and nominations:-External links:* * *...
and Arif Lohar
Arif Lohar
Arif Lohar is a Pakistani folk singer. He usually sings with native musical instrument resembling tongs . His folk music is representative of traditional folk heritage of the Punjab...
plays this instrument. Also known as the "rusty tambourine sword", the chimta has been spotted being played by members of the experimental rock band His Name Is Alive
His Name Is Alive
His Name Is Alive is an experimental rock band/project from Livonia, Michigan. After several self-released cassettes, they debuted on 4AD Records in 1990, starting a long run at the label...
on recent tours.
Images and Video examples (External links)
- chimta taken by (David Courtney)