The bolon () or M'Bolon is a traditional harp played in

Mali Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the List of African countries by area, eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of over . The country is bordered to the north by Algeria, to the east b ...

, as well as

Guinea Guinea, officially the Republic of Guinea, is a coastal country in West Africa. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal to the north, Mali to the northeast, Côte d'Ivoire to the southeast, and Sier ...

. It was notably played in hunting ceremonies or before a battle, to rouse warriors' valor. It was also used by the Jola in

Gambia The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa. Geographically, The Gambia is the List of African countries by area, smallest country in continental Africa; it is surrounded by Senegal on all sides except for ...

for accompaniment for men's choruses.Stone, Ruth M., ed. "West Africa: An Introduction." ''Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Volume 1: Africa''. New York: Routledge, Array. 458-86. ''Music Online: The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music''. Web. 29 Sept. 2016. Among other string instruments played in Guinea, the bolon is the oldest. The bolon is a three-stringed instrument, constructed from a large calabash covered by unshaven goat skin, and a bow-shaped neck. When playing, it is placed between the legs with the strings facing the musician. In addition to plucking the strings, the musician also hits the calabash as if playing a dru

References

Malian musical instruments Harps Harp lutes {{Harp-stub