Kiringongo

Description

"The square sound box of this xylophone is made of plywood. The rim of the sound box is covered in its length with sponge dempers, to avoid the contact between the sounding wooden plaques and the wooden soundbox, thus avoiding distortion of the pitch. To lower the pitch of the plaques, they are scoped inwards; to highten the pitch, the length of the bars is shortened. The soundbox is abundantly decorated with flowers and geometric figures burnt into the wood. The kiringongo plays melodies to accompany slow mixed dances. It is played by men. " (Valentine Kihuha; Daniel Mabonga, Ruiru, Nairobi, 22 November 2018) Made in the class Organology - Traditional musical Instruments, Music Department, Kenyatta University, Ruiru, Nairobi Style: Coastal region