Flutes are usually played to
accompany the music of balafons
and the rapid beat of drums during
ceremonies & mask performances.
Flutes are played by groups of 5-7
or more men. Each flute is played
in a set of notes with all of the
complex but very repetitive tune.
Because the languages in this area
are tonal, flutes can imitate the tonal
patterns of spoken phrases, and
can imitate phrases from songs
of praise for masks, warriors, or
champion cultivators. The holes
are burned with hot pokers
through the projecting arms to the
hollow center of the flute, & when
the musician covers the holes he
changes the pitch. They are also
used during farming competitions
& to sound the alarms to unite the
villagers.
8.25"H x 2"W x 1.25"D
Flutes are usually played to
accompany the music of balafons
and the rapid beat of drums during
ceremonies & mask performances.
Flutes are played by groups of 5-7
or more men. Each flute is played
in a set of notes with all of the
complex but very repetitive tune.
Because the languages in this area
are tonal, flutes can imitate the tonal
patterns of spoken phrases, and
can imitate phrases from songs
of praise for masks, warriors, or
champion cultivators. The holes
are burned with hot pokers
through the projecting arms to the
hollow center of the flute, & when
the musician covers the holes he
changes the pitch. They are also
used during farming competitions
& to sound the alarms to unite the
villagers.Ex James Schmidt Collection
8.25"H x 2"W x 1.25"D
