 An Orange Order Lambeg drumming contest inCoagh,County Tyrone, in 2002. | |
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Lambeg, tibbies, slashers, killymans |
| Classification | |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 211.2121 (singlecylindrical drum with two usable membranes) |
| Related instruments | |
| bass drum,davul,gran cassa | |
ALambeg drum is a largedrum, beaten with curvedmalaccacanes.[1] It is used primarily inNorthern Ireland byUnionists and theOrange Order traditionally in street parades held in the summer, particularly on and around 12 July ("The Twelfth").[2] The weight of the drum means that it had been replaced with smaller replicas for most parades, but the full-sized instrument has started to reappear in recent years, usually onfloats.[3][4] It is also used by theAncient Order of Hibernians, having historical significance for parts of thenationalist community, as well.[5]
The Lambeg drum is, together with thebagpipe, one of the loudestacoustic instruments in the world, frequently reaching over 120dB.[6] It measures approximately 3 feet1⁄4 inch (92.1 cm) in diameter and 2 feet (61 cm) deep, and weighs 35–40 pounds (16–18 kg). Usually it is carried by the drummer while marching, using a neck harness.[7]
The origin of the Lambeg is unclear.[8] It is commonly believed to have come toUlster with English settlers in the early-mid-17th century. Other accounts state that it came to Ireland with theDuke of Schomberg's men of the army ofWilliam of Orange during theWilliamite war. Having its roots in 17th-century European military instruments, it was originally smaller. Traditionally it was accompanied by the shrillfife, a smalltransverse flute similar to thepiccolo. Over time, the drum grew in size throughemulousness between players. The drum eventually reached such a size that the fifes were drowned out. Today, the fife and the Lambeg together are the exception, rather than the norm in parades; the combination is most common inCounty Antrim. Most of the original Ulster fifers were ofFlemish descent. A number ofFrench Huguenots had followed William's army into Ireland and the Flemish,English andScottishProtestant groups had united into theOrange Order.[9]
The name comes from the village ofLambeg, County Antrim, which is situated ten miles southwest ofBelfast and two miles fromLisburn.[10]Tradition has it that it was in the Lambeg area that the instrument was first played with canes. The drum is sometimes also called "tibbies", "slashers" or "killymans".[11]
The Lambeg drum's shell is generally made ofoak. Lambeg drum heads are made fromgoat skins, they are very thin and strong, and of even thickness and consistency as far as possible.[12] A Lambeg skin will also receive "special" treatment that is a secret to each maker. Because of their qualities they are also sometimes used for smaller drums such asbodhráns.[13]
The Lambegs are different from other large drums in the quality of their tone.[14] The thin heads are pulled tight until the tone is bright and hard. There are no mechanical screws on the drums. The heads are held on with a wooden rim and, traditionally, linen ropes.[15]
The Lambeg drum's unique acoustic power caught the attention ofKate Bush, who purchased a custom drum from maker William Hewitt inSandy Row, Belfast, during the 1980s.[16][17] The Lambeg loud and atmospheric sound was used on her hit "Running Up That Hill". The Lambeg was also used on theHounds of Love album, specifically on the track "Jig of Life", to create a visceral and atmospheric style.[18]
In September 2021, the largest gathering of the Lambeg took place at theParliament Buildings,Stormont, to mark thecentenary of Northern Ireland.[19][20] Organized by the South Ulster Drumming Association alongside theUlster-Scots Agency, the "Drums for Ulster" event featured 150 Lambeg drums played simultaneously on the mile-long Prince of Wales Avenue.[21] Tens of thousands ofOrangemen were in attendance for the centenary parade, with a large crowd of spectators of over 100,000.[22]
In March 2022, the inauguralSir Edward Carson Memorialdrumming match was held inDublin, marking the first time a traditional Lambeg drumming contest was staged in the city. Organised by the South Ulster Drumming Association, the event took place on Northumberland Road and featured drummers from Dublin,Wicklow, and South Ulster.[23][24] Organizers noted that while Lambegs had previously been displayed in the city for limited exhibitions, this event followed traditional competitive "match" formats where judges mark the instruments based on their specific note and tone rather than rhythm or decoration.[25]
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