Baule, Ivory Coast, first half of the 20th century An astonishing and rare "Kota" lamellophone with 7 bamboo tongues fixed to a board by means of an interlace of plant fibers. This fastening system acts as a pressure bar, with the front and back bridges on either side. The playing technique is unique to this region of West Africa. The keyboard is opposite the musician's body, and the tongues are pinched with the thumbs, which are turned towards the musician. An instrument used by night watchmen and bush walkers, it has disappeared from Côte d'Ivoire since the 1950s. Bibliographical references Les sanza, F. Borel. Musée d'ethnographie, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, 1986

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