Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau
Mande

Wood, leather, nylon strings
ca. Mid-20th century
Chordophone – Half-spike Lute

Mande ‘nkoni’ also called ngoni, kontingo, and koni, is a lute that is played by the Mande people across the West African Sahel.  It is  classified as a half-spike lute.  Sometimes it is referred to as jeli ngoni as it is played by griots at celebrations and special occasions in traditional songs called fasas in Mandingo. This one is in excellent playing condition.