M’Bolon is a Malian traditional musical instrument (melodic and percussive) that has a large calabas soundbox covered with cowhide and a wooden handle with strings. The Bolon or M'Bolon are traditional harps played mostly in Mali, but also in Guinea.
A bell-like device is often worn by the player to boost vibrations in the sound. This device is made of metal plates with small oval-shaped lobes and attached to the hand with a pad with cords or an elastic band.
There is not much reliable information about this instrument, yet it is utterly fascinating with an amazing sound and a long, long history. With its mystical nature, maybe it's only right for it to remain in some way mysterious. It is popular in Bambara, Senoufo, and Minianka countries. It is a Mandinka instrument dating back to the 11th century.
The number of strings determines the use of a M’Bolon. Single-stringed or two-stringed bass M’Bolon are used for celebrations and popular events, while three-stringed or four-stringed M’Bolon is the most common harp-lute close to the n'goni or the kora. Whenever you play it, you keep it attached to your neck with a strap; the strings are plucked with a V-shaped wooden stick held by your right hand.
The Bolon has been played as part of hunting ceremonies or before battle, rousing warriors' valor. Jola in the Gambia played them to accompany men's choruses. It is the oldest of the string instruments played in Guinea. In the fields and in traditional ceremonies, the M'Bolon is played during ritual ceremonies by the Mandingo, Senufo, and Minianka cultures to encourage the peasants before the harvest or warriors before battle.
Also accompanies the praise of traditional chiefs, and celebrates the deeds of kings. It can be played on its own or with other instruments, such as the xylophone, talking drum, and lute. People of all ethnicities, genders, and religions play the game in southern Mali, where it is taught through apprenticeships and by local associations.
Due to factors such as urbanization, the introduction of religions that prohibit traditional initiatory rites and practices, and a decline in youth interest, the practice is threatened by a limited number of initiates.
Although endangered, it still exists to encourage growers since it served ceremonial, funerary, and martial functions. Even so the bolon, ancient and mysterious, has moved with the times, and its deep tones are still enchanting. Today, M’bolon is mostly present in weddings, baptisms, and prayers. But it is primarily practiced by elders.