The jeli ngoni (also djeli n`goni, pronounced like jelly, then nn-GO-nee) is a traditional Mande instrument, a lute played by the jelis. It consists of a hollow body with goat skin covering (like a drum) with a fretless fingerboard and four to seven fish-line strings, strung over a bridge and tensioned by leather straps. The djeli ngoni is likely the ancestor of the modern-day banjo, and is still very popular today in traditional and modern Mande music. These instruments are built to professional standards in Mali and Guinea. Covered by our satisfaction guarantee this instrument features:
- Solid, handcarved hardwood body, 15-18 in long and 4-5 in wide
- Thick goat or calf skin stretched tight and fixed to body with decorative tacks or wood pegs
- Fretless dowel fingerboard 25-30 in long, extending out of body 14-18 in
- 4-5 thin fish-line strings attached to wood bridge, tunable with leather cinch straps
- Hand crafted using traditional methods in Mali or Guinea by expert ngoni builders
- Being a stringed instrument, this ngoni will need to be tuned after shipping
- Imported, African-made product from Africa Heartwood Project
Learn more about this instrument in the book
Mande Music by Eric Charry. |
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