The bolon is a base type tunable Hunter's string instrument which consists of a large bowl-shaped calabash covered with unshaved goatskin, from which a bow-shaped wooden pole extends. This harp is the oldest string instrument among all the string instruments played in Guinea. It has three strings, each attached around the pole. It is played all over Guinea
Two extra strings have recently been added on newer versions of Bolon, but the 5 strings Bolon is not traditional, and only an addition of some yonger musicians.
The strings are tuned by moving the pole rings up or down.
A resonator is often found at the top of the pole.
The Bolon is played positioned in between the legs, strings facing the player . The strings are plucked with the thumbs, combining the wrists also knock the calabash.
It produces a deep bass sound.
The proposed 3 strings version is from Guinea (West Africa).
It was traditionally played in hunting ceremonies in songs extolling the hunters' bravery and before battle, to urge warriors on to great feats of courage and endurance.
All musical instruments are authentic pieces imported directly from west Africa
(Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone.). The craftsmen who create them are descended from families who have produced the same artefacts for generations. They have mastered the techniques of selecting materials and building instruments through the years. Hear for yourself the unique sound that first echoed through Africa and now the world
