KABASSOU Meaning and
Definition
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Kabassou is a traditional West African musical instrument, primarily found in the Mandingo ethnic group of Guinea and Mali. It belongs to the family of guitar-like instruments and is often referred to as a lute or a spike harp. The name "kabassou" is derived from the Mandinka language.
The instrument features a wooden resonator body, usually shaped like a small canoe, with a flat soundboard made of animal skin stretched over it. It has a long, narrow neck, made of hardwood, with frets made of animal intestines or fishing line tied around it. The strings, which can vary in number, are typically made of fishing line, nylon, or gut, and are plucked with the fingers or a plectrum.
The kabassou produces a resonant and melodious sound, and its tunable nature allows for a wide range of pitches and tones. It is mainly played by griots, traditional West African musicians and storytellers, who accompany themselves while singing or reciting epic stories and historical tales.
In recent years, the kabassou has gained recognition outside of its cultural context, being used by world music artists and incorporated into contemporary styles. Its distinct sound and versatility have made it a significant instrument in West African music, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Common Misspellings for KABASSOU
- jabassou
- mabassou
- labassou
- oabassou
- iabassou
- kzbassou
- ksbassou
- kwbassou
- kqbassou
- kavassou
- kanassou
- kahassou
- kagassou
- kabzssou
- kabsssou
- kabwssou
- kabqssou
- kabaasou
- kabazsou
Etymology of KABASSOU
The etymology of the word Kabassou is a bit unclear. It is primarily used as a surname in some parts of West Africa, particularly in Guinea. It is believed to have originated from the Susu ethnic group in Guinea. However, there is no widely known or documented explanation for the specific etymology of the word Kabassou.
