Bolon Bata

A bolon, or bolon bata, is commonly known as a Fula instrument; it resembles a harp lute. This example consists of a calabash resonator, a wooden neck with fibre strings, and a wire resonators at the base. The calabash is half covered in animal hide, likely to be goat hide.

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Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Bolon Bata
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre, Leather, animal skin, Metal
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 900mm [L] x 300mm [W] x 160mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1938
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Theobald, C;Augustus Wollaston Franks [Year Acquired: 1938]
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1938.606.7

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