The krin is a hand-held cylinder made out of a piece of hollowed tree trunk with 3 slots of different lengths running across it. Two wooden sticks are used to produce multiple different resonant sounds, depending on the point of contact (slots, flat upper surface, or sides). This instrument originated from Guinea, and is believed to have sacred properties. It was, and still is, traditionally used to transmit coded messages between villages. Its size can reach up to 10 feet. The Baga people use it to accompany secret ceremonies and call it "Tali" when it has only one opening.
In the forest region of Guinea, some versions have up to 5 different slots and are played strapped to the waist.
The krin is also often played in a vertical position, either strapped to the shoulder, waist, or one side resting on the floor.
The national ballets have integrated It in their orchestra, in an effort to represent all instruments from all ethnic groups of Guinea.
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 from 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
