Balangi

A Xylophone-like musical instrument, called a Balangi, consisting of a series of wooden tone bars or keys attached to a wooden frame with small gourd resonators underneath, played with two beaters. It is particularly associated with the Kuranko, and other ethno-linguistic groups of Mande origin, in northern Sierra Leone. This one has 15 wooden rungs and 13 gourd fruits underneath. For more information see T.J. Alldridge, The Sherbro and its Hinterland, 1901, page 289.

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Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Balangi
  • Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Wood
  • Culture Group: Kuranko, Mandingo
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1899
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
  • Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
  • Accession Number: BMAG:R3483/12

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