Synopsis
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.
Movie Information
- Director
- Hugo Zemp
- Release Year
- 2002
- Runtime
- 47 minutes
- Genre
- Documentary
- Language
- EN
- Status
- Released
Ready to watch The Wood and the Calabash?
Pick a streaming source and press play — free, HD, no signup.
▶ Watch The Wood and the Calabash FreeYou May Also Like
More Documentary Movies
More from Hugo Zemp
Trending Now
Popular This Week
Explore related titles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Wood and the Calabash online for free?
You can watch The Wood and the Calabash (2002) online for free in HD on FreeFlix. No signup or subscription is required — just open this page and click play.
Is The Wood and the Calabash available in HD?
Yes. FreeFlix offers The Wood and the Calabash in full HD with multiple mirror sources, so if one source is slow you can switch in one click.
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.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. FreeFlix is completely free, with no registration, account, credit card, or hidden charges.