Alghaita (reed wind instrument)
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About This Item
The alghaita is a double-reed musical wind instrument that is constructed similarly to an oboe. Alghaitas are known to have been made as far back as the occupation of the area by the Moorish people before the 14th century.
The body of the alghaita is made of wood and covered in leather with four fingerholes along the side. The instrument uses a thin metal tube to connect the double reed to the instrument.
- Date
- Mid to late 20th century
- Geography
- Hausa people, West Africa
- Medium
- wood
- metal
- leather
- Context
In Hausa cultural groups, the alghaita is used in special ceremonies and only in the presence of governors. The Islamic peoples who brought the instrument to the region in the past used it for this purpose.
In North and West Africa, however, the instrument is used in less formal contexts. It is often used in religious ceremony as well as in musical ensembles which blend Islamic and African musical influences.
Research in the Global Museum’s archives show that most of the Africa collection comes from West Africa, yet the variety of objects here originated from almost every region in the continent, characterizing the itinerant movements people have between their neighboring communities. Materials and designs reflect their particular source communities and show evidence of cultural exchange and trade routes. On a deeper level, ceremony intermingles with daily life. There is balance between the living and the dead, where deceased loved ones or powerful spirits are embodied with human and/or animal characteristics to protect, soothe, or guide the living.
- Height
- 16.25 in
- Width
- 2.5 in
- Depth
- 2.5 in
- Copyright
- Copyright status unknown. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing, and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
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