Kontigi
One-stringed African lute
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A kontigi or kuntigi is a one-stringed African lute played by the Hausa, Songhai, and Djerma.[1][2] A 3-string version teharden is used among the Tamashek.[2]
Kontigi with metal body made from an oval can | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Kuntigi |
| Musicians | |
| Dan Maraya, Griots | |
| Builders | |
| the Hausa, Songhai and Djerma. | |
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The instrument is used in Hausa music, primarily in northern Nigeria and Niger,[1] and among Hausa minorities in Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso , and Cameroon. It is also found among Islamized peoples throughout West Africa (see Xalam). The best-known player of the Kontigi is Dan Maraya.
Characteristics
The instrument uses a calabash gourd as its body, covered with skin, with a stick for a neck.[1][2] Modern instruments have had the gourd replaced by a can, such as a large sardine can.[1][3] The neck on the Kontigi has "a metal disk surrounded by small rings," which makes noise as the instrument is moved or played.[2] The tone is high-pitched.[2]
Performance
Sample recordings
