The bolon (Bambara: ߓߐ߬ߟߐ߲)[1] or M'Bolon is a traditional harp played in Mali, as well as Guinea.[2] It was notably played in hunting ceremonies or before a battle, to rouse warriors' valor.[3] It was also used by the Jola in Gambia for accompaniment for men's choruses.[4] Among other string instruments played in Guinea, the bolon is the oldest.[3]
.jpg) A Susu yeliba playing a bolon in 1905, his rifle by his side. The bolon has a small, square soundhole and a nyenmyemo (metal resonator fringed with metal rings, mounted on the end of the neck) | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | harp-lutes |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 323-5 (Acoustic instruments which have a resonator as an integral part of the instrument, in which the plane of the strings lies at right angles to the sound-table; a line joining the lower ends of the strings would be perpendicular to the neck. These have notched bridges. Sounded by the bare fingers) |
| Related instruments | |
The bolon is a three-stringed instrument, constructed from a large calabash covered by unshaven goat skin, and a bow-shaped neck.[3] When playing, it is placed between the legs with the strings facing the musician. In addition to plucking the strings, the musician also hits the calabash as if playing a drum.[1]
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bolon.
- ^ Faya Ismael Tolno (September 2011). "Les Recherches linguistiques de l'école N'ko" (PDF). Dalou Kende (in French). No. 19. Kanjamadi. p. 7. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka Page 77 Eric Charry - 2000 "Bolon . The bolon is played by several peoples in West Africa, including Maninka, Fulbe, Senufo. Susu, and Kissi (map 3, plate 4). Nowadays it is a rare instrument in its traditional setting, but it is often played in national ballets and in a variety of
- ^ a b c "Alpha Rhythm Roots - Bolon". www.alpharhythmroots.com. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
- ^ Stone, Ruth M., ed. "West Africa: An Introduction." Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Volume 1: Africa. New York: Routledge, Array. 458-86. Music Online: The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.
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