Whispers of the ancients: the Bushmen’s mouth bow melodies
Mar 23, 08:05 PM
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The Seworoworo or commonly known as the Mouth Bow, is one of the world’s oldest instrument, originally invented by the Bushmen. I really feel lucky that I had the chance to record it right at the very heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The instument is played by Tango, a young man from the Delta. Birds sing during his playing as well.
This instrument has a palm-leaf string that is made to vibrate by rubbing a stick across notches cut in the bow stave. This action produces a rhythmic whirring sound in addition to the echo sounds made by Tango 's mouth when he gently blows the string. These very grounded and primitive sounds are truly wonderful and so unique in the sound world heritage. I feel that this is an enchanted sound world rediscovered.
UNESCO listing: Okavango Delta
Recorded by Christina Antoniadou.
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This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.
Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage
This instrument has a palm-leaf string that is made to vibrate by rubbing a stick across notches cut in the bow stave. This action produces a rhythmic whirring sound in addition to the echo sounds made by Tango 's mouth when he gently blows the string. These very grounded and primitive sounds are truly wonderful and so unique in the sound world heritage. I feel that this is an enchanted sound world rediscovered.
UNESCO listing: Okavango Delta
Recorded by Christina Antoniadou.
———————
This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.
Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage