Musical Instruments of Ethiopia and Eritrea

Study Notes

Chordophones

The masenqo, also known as masinko, is a one-string bowed lute found in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- It's a favorite of minstrels or "azmaris"
- The string is made of horsehair, and the resonator is often covered in rawhide or parchment.
The krar, also known as the kirar, is a six-string lyre.
- It is traditionally tuned to a pentatonic scale, but can be amplified like an electric guitar.
- Like the masenqo, the krar is popular among minstrels or "azmaris".
The begena is a large ten-string lyre.
- It is considered an instrument for the upper-class and is used by both men and women during prayers and meditations.
- The pointing finger plucks strings 3 and 4, and the other fingers each control a string.

Aerophones

The Wahint is an end-blown flute made of wood, bamboo, or cane.
- It is traditionally used by musicians to convey oral history.
- It has 4 finger holes, allowing for pentatonic-scaled sounds.
The holdudwa is a trumpet-like instrument made from an animal horn.
- It is found primarily in the south of Ethiopia.
The embilta flute has no finger holes and produces only two tones, the fundamental and a fourth or fifth interval.
- It can be made from metal or bamboo.

Idiophones

The tsenatsel, also known as a sistrum, is made of two parts: a hollow shaft and an octagonal body.
- It has two wires threaded through the sides, each with three brass discs that create its distinct sound.
The toom is a lamellophone used among the Nuer, Anuak, Majangir, Surma, and other Nilotic groups.

Membranophones

The kebero is a large hand drum used in Orthodox Christian liturgy.
- Smaller kebero drums are used in secular celebrations.
The nagarit is played with a curved stick and is typically used in secular contexts such as royal functions or the announcement of proclamations.
- It does have a liturgical function among the Beta Israel.
The atamo is a small hand drum played by the Gurage and other populations in the lowlands.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of chordophones and aerophones from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Learn about instruments like the masenqo, krar, begena, and Wahint, and their cultural significance among minstrels and in traditional ceremonies. This quiz dives into the unique features and uses of these traditional musical instruments.