Pepa: The Traditional Musical Instrument of Assam and Its Cultural Significance

About Pepa

Pepa is a wind instrument made of buffalo horn. This folk instrument is found in Assam. Also called 'Jodia Pepa' it is particularly used during the 'Bihu' festival in Assam. Pepa" is a hornpipe that has been used during Bihu celebrations since ancient times. An improved version of Pepa was also developed in the Chutia kingdom, known as Kaali(made of copper) as mentioned in Deodhai Buranji(where Ahom king Suhungmung brought in Kaali instruments from Sadiya to Sibsagar). As the buffalo population is dwindling gradually in Assam due to shrinking pastoral lands, getting a Pepa is currently very difficult. The cost of a pepa in the market has even reached ₹2500 in recent years. Pepa is known by different names in different tribal communities of Assam, such as , the Missings call it ‘Pempa’, The Dimasas ‘xuri’ the Rabhas ‘Singra’ and the tea tribe calls it ‘Pepati’

To make the ‘Pepa’, the tip of the horn of the dead buffalo is first kept immersed in warm water or cow dungs for some time for softening and then cut with a knife or by hollowing with the broken glass. This Sing (Horn) is known as Thola. Any brass metal or ring may be fitted onto the broader side of the whole to avoid damage and also for its beauty. The smaller end of the “Thola” is fitted to a piece of cylindrical reed of bamboo (of about 15cm), also called Nalicha or Garvahala. The Nalicha generally contains four holes. In the other end of the Nalicha, a little Pepa (a little pipe) of about 4cm is pushed into it. This small Pepa is called Thuri. For the convenience of playing this Thuri is kept enclosed into a bamboo Cupahi. This instrument is played by placing the mouth towards the Cupahi.

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