Harp-Lute

Ngoni, Kamalen

Mali, Africa
Malian

Gourd, cane, skin, metal
Mid 20th century

Chordophone - Harp-Lute - Plucked

A six to eight stringed, pentatonic instrument, tuned a fourth higher than the donso ngoni from which it evolved. The name “Kamal” (means ‘young men’) because it was played by young men for occasions other than hunting, such as, young people's initiation societies. Within the last 30 years the kamalen ngoni has become a popular instrument in Malian music.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-CHHP-31-80

"Mande Music" by Eric Charry, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Resource: Alan Suits of "Coyote Paw Gallery" in Sante Fe, NM

© Hartenberger World Music Collection