Balafon

Mambuti Balafon with Log Resonators - 8 Bars

Democratic Republic of Congo
Mambuti

Wood, Banana Trunks/Logs and Twine
Early 20th century

Idiophone - Struck Directly

The Mambuti Pygmies of the Democratic Republic of Congo, live in the Ituri Forest, a tropical rainforest second in size to the Amazon covering about 70,000 km of the north/northeast portion of what was once Zaire. It has been speculated that the Mambuti may be one of the earliest inhabitants of Africa. This Mambuti balafon consists of a set of eight (8) wooden keys laid across twisted vines from banana trees, which provide excellent cushions for the keys to rest on, enabling them to vibrate freely. Underneath each of the wooden keys are hollow banana trunks/logs, which serve as excellent resonators.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-4

© Hartenberger World Music Collection