 A traditional Ethiopianmasinko orchira-wata | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | chordophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.311 (spike bowedlute) |
| Related instruments | |
Themasenqo (Amharic:ማሲንቆ;Tigrinya: ጭራ-ዋጣ (ዋጣ), also known asmasinko ormesenko,[1] is a single-stringedbowed lute commonly found in the musical traditions ofEritrea andEthiopia.[2] As with thekrar, this instrument is used by Ethiopianminstrels calledazmaris ("singer" inAmharic).[3] Although it functions in a purely accompaniment capacity in songs, the masenqo requires considerable virtuosity,[2] as azmaris accompany themselves while singing.
The square or diamond-shapedresonator is made of four small wooden boards glued together, then covered with a stretchedparchment orrawhide. The single string is typically made of horse hair, and passes over a bridge. The instrument is tuned by means of a largetuning peg to fit the range of the singer's voice.[4] It may be bowed by either the right or left hand, and the non-bow hand sits lightly on top of the upper part of the string.
