Estudo organológico de N’lapa

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the origins of the N'lapa, its construction process, playing technique, as well as the contexts and dances in which this musical instrument is used. The theoretical approaches of this work were based on studies that deal with organology, with emphasis on authors such as Maria Helena Trindade, Tiago de Oliveira Pinto, Luís Henrique, Curt Sachs and Erich Von Hornbostel. In terms of methodology, this research used a qualitative approach combined with fieldwork. The techniques used to collect and organise the data include bibliographical research, semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and photographic recording. The procedure used to analyse and interpret the information was content analysis. The data collected shows that N'lapa is part of the culture of the northern Mozambican people, particularly in Nampula, and is practised in a variety of contexts, such as Eyinlo and Marilo. The N'lapa performance follows the following steps: (i) a small pit is opened to embed half the body of the clay pot; (ii) to change the sound, the player raises or lowers their legs, thus moving the N'lapa; (iii) the player ties a small drum called a M'petcheni to their left thigh, which serves as an accompaniment to the N'lapa; and (iv) this set of instruments is played sitting down. With regard to the nomenclature of the instruments that assist or accompany N'lapa, it was found that they are called according to their function (M'petcheni and Atthokoro-tthokoro). With regard to the dances accompanied by the N'lapa, the interviewees emphasised the Natthere, Nsiripwiti, Mukorompwa and Niketche.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)