Drawing on Culture: West Africa
Original artwork featured in the book,
Drawing on Culture.
$1,495.00
Original artwork (unframed).
“Balafon Player” - 11 x 14 in. (28 x 36 cm), graphite on bristol.
One of a kind, original fine art.
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Custom framing available upon request.
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Balafon Player
11x14 graphite on bristol.
The balafon is an ancient instrument that resembles a wooden xylophone, with gourds used as resonators. It has roots dating back to the 13th century, and factored heavily in the epic story of Sundiata and the creation of the Mande empire. The balafon is typically played by griots (members of a hereditary caste of oral historians and musicians). Training to play the balafon is intense and takes many years. This man was a virtuoso musician who had likely trained since he was very young. He performed at a festival in the village honoring the chief.