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Ripsaw is a style of Mento, which originates from the Turks and Caicos Islands (specifically in the Middle and North Caicos). A very closely related variant, rake-and-scrape, is played in the Bahamas. 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, which replaces the grater (Instrument) used in traditional Mento with a handsaw (Instrument) to achieve a similar yet more variable sound. 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
- 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
- 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.