Slit gong-rasp ·  Mali, Bamana · ID: 3050494

Description

wood, base

Imperato commented on comparable instruments: “canoe shaped drums”, are used by the Bamana “n’kenie"society of Mali. “N’kenie” (or “nkenye”) is a musical entertainment troupe composed of individuals undergoing initiation into “jo” (or “dyo”, an ssociation found in the southern part of Bamana country. “Jo” initiation occurs evey seven years and membership is open to both men and women (Brincard, 1989, p. 120).

He also reports that the serrated sides were rubbed with sticks, when played, which is why the instrument was called “slit gong-rasp”.

The object Slit gong-rasp with the object ID 3050494 was last part of the auction 102nd Auction at April 13, 2024 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 137 achieved a sales price of EUR 500.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Brincard, Marie-Therese, Sounding forms, New York 1989, p. 121., ill. 54 & 55 Imperato, Pascal James, Buffons, Queens and Wooden Horsemen, New York 1983