This section of the blog presents a brief information about the Ethiopian traditional musical instruments including "Kirar", "Begena", "Masinko", "Washint" and "Kebero"
Kirar is a five -or-six-stringed bowl-shaped lyre. It is is one of the most popular traditional instruments in Ethipoia.
Fig. 1. A person playing Kirar
2. Begena is a large ten-string lyre. It is commonly used in Ethiopian Orthodox church
while singing a s spiritual song specially in a fasting season.
Fig. 2. An old man singing with Begena
3. Masinko is a a one-string bowed lute. This is commonlyed played in traditional bars and restaurants. The person playing Masinko is usually called Azmari
Fig 3. Azmari entertaining people in a traditional bar ("Tej Bet")
4. Washint is a bamboo flute that is common in the highlands. In rural areas, it is commont to see a person playing with Washint while taking care of cattles on a field.
Fig 4. A person playing with Washint
5. Kebero: is a double-headed, conical hand drum. A piece of animal hide is stretched over each end, thus forming a membranophone. Almost always a spiritual song in Ethiopoian orthodox church is acompanied by a liturgical drum. Kebero is alo used in secular celebrations
Fig. People signing with Liturgical drum inside a church (Kebero)
Fig. A woman playing with Kebero