MM40/69/3188 Musical Instrument

The elders identified this object as a musical instrument called n//uqace (figure 13.1). They said it is made from the wood of a mongongo nut or manketti tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii). The bent sticks are made from brandybush (Grewia flava), and the strings from the sinew of any animal. Gaps are sealed with beeswax or ground lily bulb (Ammocharis coranica) (figure 13.2). It is made by men and played by men and women. A small strung bow was inside the object, but the elders said that it was used to play a different instrument because they play this instrument with their fingers and thumbs, as demonstrated by Joa Cwi (figure 13.3). It is generally made by the person who plays it, and it may be played at any time, including all through the night, not only on special occasions.

MM40/69/1429 Musical Bow

We presented the elders with a bow labelled as a musical instrument. They explained that the bow used for music is also used for hunting. Only men play the bow, and if yours does not make a good sound you can borrow someone else’s. A porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) quill or piece of grass is used to play it. Tsamkxao ≠Oma demonstrated how the mouth is opened and closed to make different sounds (figure 13.4). You control your breathing and produce different sounds from your throat.

MM40/69/1645 Horns Used as a Container For a Substance Conferring Luck and as a Whistle

The elders were shown a group of horns, and explained that two of these horns are carried by a man. One contains medicine to stop the rain and to bring you luck, and the other is empty because it is used as a whistle (figure 13.5). We asked about the rain charm. What is the powder inside made from? They replied that when lightning strikes something you will find things that look like ice, and you collect them. You boil them in water until all the water has evaporated. You pound the remaining substance and store it in the horn. It will make you lucky.