West African string instrument
"Paata" redirects here. For the given name, see
Paata (name).
Pluriarc![]() |
| Other names | bow lute, paata, mapu, luku, kissanga |
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| Classification |
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| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.1
(Bow lute) |
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Harp, Lute, Musical bow, Masenqo, Gusle, Igil, Krar |
The pluriarc, also called paata, mapu, luku,[1] kissanga, and bow lute[2] is a stringed musical instrument of West Africa, classified as a type of lute. It has a hollow body and several curved, pliable necks made of reeds. The strings stretch from the necks to the bridge, which stands approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) above the body.[1] The body may be round, rectangular, or triangular, and is usually made of light wood.[3] The top of the body can either be a separate board, bound or nailed to the lower part, or made from the same piece of wood as the rest. A hole may exist on the underside that can be opened or closed to change the timbre.[4]
It is played by plucking the strings, which are usually open but sometimes contain a stop. The strings may be plucked with fingers or a plectrum.[2] The flexible nature of the necks means the instrument cannot be tuned precisely.[3]
Pluriarc designs have been characterized into three types by country of origin: those of southwestern Africa, central west Africa, and western Nigeria.[1]
References
External links
Media related to Bow lutes at Wikimedia Commons
