The Arts

Quantitative similarities between the banjo and a diverse collection of West African lutes

E. L. Fulwood

This fascinating study by Ethan L. Fulwood explores the structural similarities between the gourd banjo and West African lutes, revealing intriguing connections influenced by cultural contexts. Discover how the unique social dynamics of lute playing in Bakic cultures shaped the banjo's evolution among enslaved populations in the Caribbean, alongside influences from Niger Basin lutes.

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Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

This study examines structural similarities between the gourd banjo and 61 West African lutes using two quantitative approaches (UGPMA and NeighborNet). The banjo groups with a cluster of lutes from Senegambia, suggesting the egalitarian social context of lute playing in Bakic language-speaking cultures influenced the banjo's development among enslaved populations in the Caribbean. However, the banjo also shows similarities to Niger Basin lutes, highlighting heterogeneous cultural influences.

Publisher

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

Published On

Oct 26, 2022

Authors

Ethan L. Fulwood

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