Ripsaw music

Ripsaw is a style of Mento, which originates from the Turks and Caicos Islands (specifically in the Middle and North Caicos).<ref name="RellieHayne2008">Template:Cite book</ref> A very closely related variant, rake-and-scrape, is played in the Bahamas.<ref name="NettlTurino2015">Template:Cite book</ref> 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,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which replaces the grater (Instrument) used in traditional Mento with a handsaw (Instrument) to achieve a similar yet more variable sound.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.

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.