Bolon Bata

The bolon or bolon bata is a bow instrument with three strings of different pitch and a large calabash for its sound box. At the top there is a metal extension with small metal rings threaded through it. The idea is to get an additional metallic resonance to the main sound of the instrument: as the strings of the bolon bata are plucked, the vibrations of the instrument cause a slight buzz or rattle of the little rings against the main piece of metal. The strings are plucked with the thumbs.

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Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Bolon Bata
  • Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Leather, animal skin, Wood, Metal
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1977
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Mr. Momoh Bangura, Freetown (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1977.01.01

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