Southern Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal
Bambara

Wood 
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 26.5 in; Diameter 4.75 in
Idiophone – Slit Gong – Rasp

The Bambara (Bamana or Banmana) are a Mande ethnic native group located primarily in southern Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal. Today they make up the largest Mandé ethnic group in Mali, with 80% of the population speaking the Bambara language, regardless of ethnicity.

This Bambara slit gong-rasp is carved from a single piece of wood.  The resonator tube is long and slender with a reptile carved on the back side.  The head is highly stylized and the resonator body is incised with deep ridges encircling most of the body with an opening in the front. Sculptured instruments such as this are still produced and displayed but only in a few Bambara villages.   The attached wooden  stick is rubbed across the ribbed “sides” in a rhythmic fashion when played.