Chap (instrument)

A chap is a percussion instrument primarily found in West Africa, particularly among the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is a clapperless bell, typically made of iron. The instrument consists of a hollow cone shape, open at the broader end. The musician strikes the side of the chap with a beater, often made of wood or metal, to produce a metallic ringing sound.

Chaps are typically played in ensembles alongside other percussion instruments such as drums and rattles, providing rhythmic and tonal support for traditional music and dance. They are used in a variety of social and ceremonial contexts, including festivals, religious rituals, and storytelling. The specific size and shape of a chap, as well as the materials used in its construction, can vary depending on the region and the specific musical tradition. The role and importance of the chap within a musical performance is often culturally significant.