Mende song

Ethnomusicological sound recording made by Cootje van Oven. Mende song accompanied by three kogilii. The photograph features kogilii, but not these ones. The meaning of the song is: "Sama dances" (which means that the Chief takes part in the dance); "Jambe is not yet sleep". There is speaking in the song as well as singing. The beats of a tabulay (big bowl drum) can be found in the background. The kogilii is a small metal cylinder (but not going right round) held in the hand and hit with a metal beater - sometimes also with a ring on the thumb, as in the case of the two bigger ones in this piece. One of these two is played by the leading singer who is a left-handed player. The lengths of the three kogilii are 9.5", 8.5" and 6".

Further Information

• Type: Sound Recording, Musical instruments
• Object: Mende song
• Materials: No Data / Other
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: No Data
• Production Date: 1970.12.25
• Associated Places: Hangha, Kongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District [Place recorded] [Origin of item]
• Associated People: Cootje van Oven [Sound Recordist]; Chris Marshall [Sound Recordist]; Momo Segbwema-Hangha [Lead singer and kogilii]; Brima Hangha and Musa Sano [Kogilii]
• Museum: Cootje Van Oven Collection
• Accession Number: CVO:360

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