THE INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC

A Mediator between the Material
and Spiritual Worlds

Gufalo Burkina Faso Ethic group: Nuna Canadian Museum of Civilization

     

This long drum has a carved wooden shell that has been dyed red and decorated with white motifs. The two tanned skins are linked by hemp ropes. The gufalo is used when the masks are brought out, at funerals and for the Fro dance, which is performed by young girls. Three drums are included in the ensemble that accompanies the masks. The first gufalo plays solo and provides the pitch. It is played with a stick and the hand. The instrument is tuned by tightening the rope around the centre.