Stringed Musical Instrument Item Number: 3123/32 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Stringed musical instrument. A long thin neck of wood is joined to a long, narrow, wood body which is partially wrapped in skin attached by metal nails to the instrument’s underside. Plastic strings stretch from the neck, where they are held by staggered leather thongs, to a wooden bridge near the bottom of the body, meeting several cotton strings that are used for tightening. A thin braided leather strap is connected to the bottom of the body and partway along the neck.

History Of Use

The n’goni is a string instrument with a variety of models, each used for different purposes. This model, the jeli n’goni (for griots), was used by griots. They are historians, poets and storytellers- repositories for oral tradition. They would accompany, council, and praise royal or warrior families. Usually accompanied by other instruments and singing, the n’goni is used for social gatherings, such as baptisms and weddings. Other types of n’goni include the donso n’goni (for hunters) and the kamele n’goni (for young persons).