Museumofworldmusic.com

Africa & Madagascar

Instruments

Name: Mesenko.

Type: Bowed Monohord > Chordophones.

Region: Ethiopia > Africa.

Dimensions: Length 35 cm.

Acquisition Date: Circa year 2005.

Acquisition Source: Value Village Thrift Store, Vancouver Canada.

MesenkoDescription: The mesenko is a small single stringed bowed monochord. This musical instrument has a small square body that is wrapped over a frame and stitched over with animal hide. A single string of horse hair goes through a small hole in a triangle shaped adjustable bridge. Related instruments are found in Eritrea and other neighbouring areas, include a bowed rebab found in Morocco. The bow is also made from wood and horse hair.