The yondo is an idiophone that is shaken or beaten. It consists of a long pipe measuring between 70 and 80 cm in length. It is usually made of metal but sometimes it is also made from a gourd. The pipe is open on both sides and is double conical, but its widest point is at 6 to 9 cm from one of the ends. At that same wider end, two small closed metal containers are welded at 20 cm from the opening; these contain small stones and act as rattles. During play, small stones are also put into the open pipe of the instrument and these create a constant rattling as the instrument is moved about.
The yondo was brought into Tibesti by the women of the Sara warriors, who came from the South. The Teda called the instrument yondo, a term that means initiation among the Sara. The yondo is only played by prostitutes who travel around.
This idiophone is played in different ways. The open ends of the pipe are beaten against the palm of the hand and against the player's calf successively. Another way is to strike the silver rings worn on the right wrist against the body of the yondo. This produces a different tone.
The use of the yondo is very limited and is not even known by its name by the younger generation. The older generation does know the instrument and the way it is played. This is the only type of rattle found in Tibesti.
See also: BRANDILY, M., Instruments de musique et musiciens instrumentistes chez les Teda du Tibesti, RMCA – Human Sciences, Annals Vol. 82, 1974
© KMMA/Monique BRANDILY