Ntongoli (Bowl lyre)
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Alternative TitleNtongoli. |
InstrumentBowl lyre/Lyres/Strings/Musical Instrument ; Bowl lyre |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
MakerAloni Kagya |
Date Made1968 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Wooden bowl, `diameter' 280-300mm; length of yoke 454mm; monitor lizard sound-table laced with twisted calf hide to concave-sided rectangle of skin; one small sound hole; 4 strings of twisted cattle sinew and 4 of fishing line nylon; strings attached to yoke with strips of bark-cloth; 8 strings, pentatonically tuned. Skin table broken where right-hand arm enters body; hole near left-hand arm. Decorative festures: Ends of yoke decorated with goat tassels and fur; alternating bands of black, red and natural coloured lacing on back of bowl. Performance technique: The endongo can be played either sitting or standing. To play while sitting, the performer balances the bowl of the lyre between the legs, tilting the strings to the left. Holding the left arm of the lyre in the left hand, the performer plucks with the nearest three strings with the thumb, middle, and ring fingers. The right hand remains behind the rest of the strings, plucking with the strings of that hand. The little finger of the right hand can either hook around the right arm of the lyre or remain free for greater movement in plucking. The performer can also put a strap around the shoulders and hook it on the instrument, much like a guitar, in order to play the instrument while standing. Among the Ganda, the endongo plays a leading part in larger instrumental ensembles, next to spike tube lutes, a notched flute, and a drum. However, it is primarily used for song accompaniment. Strings are of similar length, tuned in an order to fit the convenience of the player. Historical sources and dispersal: This ntongoli or endongo is a type of lyre that originated with either the Ganda or Soga of Uganda. It belongs to a family of East African bowl lyres located among the Bantu groups that live around Lake Victoria. Early versions of the East African lyre appear with the kingdom of the Kush (c.650 BCE-325 CE) and Aksum (c.100-350 CE). |
NotesP.R. Cooke, 1995. |
Measurements565 perpendicular to yoke. |
ProvenanceAcquired new 1968. ; on loan to the Collection. |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number2038 |