A traditional West African stringed harp or lute of the Mandinka people, that predates the kamele n'goni and donso n'goni. It consists of a large open-top gourd covered with skin, fretless neck, bridge and 3-4 tunable strings. Its gourd resonator can also be played as a drum.
It was traditionally used by farmers to help motivate workers in the field and for hunting ceremonies. It is now used to accompany other instruments such as n'goni or kora, and/or to provide a small mellow (yet full) acoustic bass sound.