ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ravanne

The ravanne is a musical instrument from the island of Mauritius. Imagine a large circular box made out of wood, with a flat surface on top. The top is covered with a thin layer of stretched animal skin, like a drum. This is where you play the ravanne.

To make sound, you use your hands to hit the surface of the ravanne. When you hit it, the animal skin vibrates and produces a loud noise. You can hit it with your fingers, or you can use a stick or a drumstick to create different sounds.

The ravanne is usually played in a group, with other instruments like the drums. It is often used in traditional music and dances in Mauritius. The rhythms that the ravanne creates make people want to dance and have fun!

To make a ravanne, people first find a wooden box and cut it into a circle shape. They then stretch the animal skin tightly over the top of the box, so it is like a drumhead. It is important to stretch the skin properly so that it can vibrate and make a good sound.

After the skin is attached, people sometimes decorate the ravanne with colorful paint or patterns. This makes it look beautiful and special. Some people even add small metal jingles or bells around the edges of the ravanne, so that when they play it, it creates a jingling sound along with the drumming.

In Mauritius, the ravanne is not just a musical instrument, it is also a symbol of the island's culture and heritage. People have been playing the ravanne for many years, and it is an important part of their traditions. It is a way for them to express themselves and their love for music and dance.

So next time you hear the sound of a ravanne, remember that it is a special instrument from Mauritius that makes people want to move and groove to the beat!