Two photos copyright JP
Two Luo nyatitis (left and right; Ethiopian masenko, centre)
Since I have started on the subject of past travels, here is an example of the kind of traditional music I used to love, listen to and record for educational films and television in
Western Kenya. The instrument is the
nyatiti, or painted bowl harp. I used to have several, and the leg and ankle bells to match. All in the Horniman Museum, along with the field recordings I made of Ram Angira playing the
nyatiti, and John Wambaya Matanda and Webhukulu Manonge playing the Luhja
litungu. My
litungu is also in the museum. I imagine that no one is allowed to touch it or play it there. Sad.
Central photo of
nyatiti from http://www.joluo.ch/luo.htm
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