Slit gong-rasp

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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”.

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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

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