Siyarik

The siyarik is a gourd rattle (Cucurbitaceae and Lagenariae sp) made from a hollow round gourd filled with dried seeds, fruit shells or small pebbles. The music of the Mamprusi and the Kusaal has been discussed in detail by M. Schlottner, who also devotes attention to the gourd rattle (M. Schlottner 1996 p.49). The neck of the gourd is sliced off; the gourd is hollowed out through an opening of about 3 to 4 cm and then filled with seeds. The hole is then sealed with a cap through which a thread is pulled.

The siyarik is thrown from one hand to the other using a specific movement, which creates a rhythmic pattern. By blocking the movement with the palm of his hand the player achieves shifts in pattern, which introduces a kind of polyrhythm into the accompaniment of the during and the complex metrical rhythmic of the siyarik. The siyarik adds an extra touch of dynamism and its deep timbre imparts a particular tone colour to during music. Among the Dagomba and the Mamprusi, we see that gonje music is also accompanied by a gourd rattle called a nmani.

© RMCA/Dominik PHYFFEROEN