My home is full of musical instruments from around the world. Most have a story to tell, about me and about them. Amongst my collection there's a harp from Cote D'Ivoire in West Africa. It was an unexpected gift from someone I hardly knew. She gave it to me saying " This tells me it is yours!" Yet I rarely play it. I believe the reason is because of its presence. I feel as though I have to ask it whether it would be OK to play. Yes, I ask it! The harp is small, but I approach it with great respect and think carefully before plucking the strings. It is decorated with two faces opposite each other on the back of the instrument. They are almost identical twins with a fierce wisdom about them. It's like they know something I don't..... some secret which I'm not in on! Sometimes it's OK to play.....other times.....beware! Although this can reflect my own mood, I am convinced this harp has feelings too! I wish I knew more about it, but so far I haven't found a background story. 
In some cultures traditional music is played only by certain people. In the griot tradition of West Africa, where I spent some of my most formative years, you have to be born into a griot family who have been playing traditional music for generations. There are exceptions to this, but they are rare. I'm aware that I'm very choosy about who plays and handles the musical instruments in my house. But is it me, or is it the spirit of this Gambian balafon or that djembe from Senegal making their wishes known? Having these artifacts around my house is a powerful connection both to my own time in Africa and with distant ancestry. Though I am not an African griot it seems that I sense something so very strong from these musical artifacts. My heart is touched by them and compels me to listen to what they are trying to tell me. So, naturally, I am intrigued by the beautiful musical artifacts on this site. Go and have a look! Each one has a particular presence which speaks even without uttering a sound. Play them, if they agree, and you have pure magic!
Many thanks to Paulette and Jed for inviting me to blog at Kafele.
African art inspires!
African art inspires!
Susan
3 comments:
Dear Susan
You have bought a smile to my face. I know we invited you to be a guest blogger, but I was pleasantly surprised, touched and bemused by your article. Surprised because I hadn't realised that you had completed and published your article. Well done. Touched because the tone felt just like how music coming from a harp should be, warm, gentle, mellow and peaceful. Perfect for an African Art Retreat. Bemused, because I have learnt something warm and interesting about someone that I only met briefly when you came visiting our stall that day. African art truly is a calling.
You are certainly receptive to the powers of African art. Through your love of music and art you are able to share those powerful feelings and messages with others.
Thank you.
05 May 2007 11:42
wonderful continent, wonderful culture
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