The Wood and the Calabash (2002)

Among the Senufo people of northern Côte d'Ivoire, the balafon (xylophone with calabash resonators) is an emblematic musical instrument. Balafon makers are all musicians, but a balafon player isn't necessarily an instrument maker. The film shows in detail the manufacture of this musical instrument, an indispensable element in the life of the Senufo people. Each step is shown, from the initial prayer to the genies of the balafon before felling a tree, through the cutting and tuning of the keys and the resonators, to the fixing of the buzzing membranes, which give this instrument its very characteristic timbre. Nanga, the balafon maker, talks about his work and discusses different aspects with friends during a meal.

Director: Hugo Zemp
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 47 min
Release Date:
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Hugo Zemp
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Wood and the Calabash about?
Among the Senufo people of northern Côte d'Ivoire, the balafon (xylophone with calabash resonators) is an emblematic musical instrument. Balafon makers are all musicians, but a balafon player isn't necessarily an instrument maker. The film shows in detail the manufacture of this musical instrument, an indispensable element in the life of the Senufo people. Each step is shown, from the initial prayer to the genies of the balafon before felling a tree, through the cutting and tuning of the keys and the resonators, to the fixing of the buzzing membranes, which give this instrument its very characteristic timbre. Nanga, the balafon maker, talks about his work and discusses different aspects with friends during a meal.
Who directed The Wood and the Calabash?
The Wood and the Calabash was directed by Hugo Zemp.
How long is The Wood and the Calabash?
The Wood and the Calabash has a runtime of 47m (47 minutes).
What genre is The Wood and the Calabash?
The Wood and the Calabash is a Documentary film.