Tuesday’s Google Doodle honors the steel pan, the national instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The steel pan is a 55-gallon steel ware drum-based percussion instrument that was invented in the 20th century, but its history dates back to the 1700s.
The video doodle is illustrated by Trinidad and Tobago-based artist Nicholas Huggins. Google is celebrating the steel ceiling on July 26, as it coincides with the 71st anniversary of the Trinidad All Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) performance at the Festival of Britain, where the steel pan was introduced to the world.
The video describes the history of the steel pan. Innovators and pioneers such as Ellie Mannette, Winston “Spree” Simon, Anthony Williams and Bertie Marshall were also mentioned. The video said:
“The steel pan is now the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and is a source of great pride and true resilience for its citizens. Steel pans are now enjoyed at concerts such as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and more. Whether in United Kingdom or Japan, Senegal or the United States, the steel maple is an internationally recognized instrument that reminds listeners of its island origins.”
The clip also celebrates the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, where people are seen playing in bands. According to the Doodles Archive, the steel pan was a staple during Carnival and Canboulay, the annual harvest festivals celebrated in Trinidad, and is still used in contemporary music.
Steelpan history explored as Google honors Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument
Colonists brought enslaved Africans to Trinidad in the West Indies, where they brought along their drumming tradition, which soon became part of the country’s culture. After slavery was abolished in 1834, Trinidadians participated in the Trinidadian carnival celebrations with their drums.
However, according to Google Arts and Culture, percussion performances of African origin were banned by the British government in the 1800s, fearing that “the drums would be used to send messages that would inspire rebellion.” Protests and demonstrations took place, which facilitated the improvement of the instrument.
The first instrument developed in the evolution of steel tabas was the bamboo tambu. Tambu bamboo strips are made up of different lengths of bamboo so that different balls can be taken. Improvisations also led to the development of percussion instruments from metal objects such as car parts, dustbins, oil drums and spoons, plates and cookie sheets.
After World War II, panniers — as steel players are known — began using 55-gallon oil drums discarded from oil refineries. Over the years, steel bowl players experimented with gallons and found that raised areas produced different sounds than flat areas.
According to Culture Mix, the steel pan was first seen on the television show “Bal Creole” on BBC Television in June 1950. In 1951, the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) was invited to play on the Southbank in London as part of The festival. of Britain. This was the first time the instrument was exhibited to the British public.
Importance of steel pan in today’s times
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Absolutely loved it today @Google Doodle! The steel pan, a wonderful musical instrument that originated from my beloved homeland Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹 🇹🇹 https://t.co/2jZ3xCna2r
In 1992, the steel maple was declared the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. The instrument is now seen in concert halls around the world, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, among others. Whether it’s Britain or Korea, the steel pan is a well-known and loved instrument around the world today.
