The simbing is an malian harp-lute, used by the

Mandinka Mandinka, Mandika, Mandinkha, Mandinko, or Mandingo may refer to: Media * ''Mandingo'' (novel), a bestselling novel published in 1957 * ''Mandingo'' (film), a 1975 film based on the eponymous 1957 novel * '' Mandingo (play)'', a play by Jack Ki ...

people of Mali, and

and Jola peoples of Senegal and Gambia. The instruments consist of a calabash resonator, a (usually curved) stick for a neck, a metal

jingle A jingle is a short song or tune used in advertising and for other commercial uses. Jingles are a form of sound branding. A jingle contains one or more hooks and meaning that explicitly promote the product or service being advertised, usually ...

attached to the neck, and a bridge that holds the string over the skin soundboard in a vertical line. For comparison lutes (such as the guitar) usually have the strings held in a horizontal line above the soundboard. The instruments have five to nine strings. The instrument from the 1790s was reported as having seven strings by Mungo Park. The instrument was played in Mandinka and Jola cultures in the context of hunting. With the Mandingas, the instrument was played by "the hunter's musician" who narrated songs about the hunt and the animals. With the Jolas, the instrument is used to accompany men singing in groups. The instrument strings were plucked to make noise. Also, the calabash gourd could be tapped with sticks by the singer, for percussion.

References

{{reflist Harps West African musical instruments String instruments Harp lutes