A Workshop on a Rare Instrument
On Wednesday, October 18, 2024, CFAIT welcomed Master Sankaré, one of the last remaining guardians of the traditional knowledge of the Koullou flute. Native to the Godja region, north of Diré, this little-known instrument holds a significant place in local musical heritage.
For two days, 19 students aged 16 to 19 took part in a workshop focused on both the crafting and playing of the Koullou. This session formed part of CFAIT’s broader program dedicated to preserving endangered traditional instruments.
Materials and Crafting Techniques
Before beginning the construction, Master Sankaré introduced the materials required:
- Straight bamboo stalks with evenly spaced nodes (40–50 cm in length)
- A handsaw blade for cutting
- Large nails and an iron rod, both heated over fire for piercing holes
- Gum arabic for sealing air leaks
- Pieces of calabash used to handle hot tools and secure the ends
Each student was guided step by step through the process: cutting between bamboo nodes, drilling the main air entry hole, then piercing four smaller tone holes, each spaced about 5 cm apart along the bottom of the flute.
Supervised Construction and Hands-On Learning
Under Master Sankaré’s supervision, students were split into small groups and repeated the steps using pre-selected bamboo stalks. The aim: for each student to build a working flute.
Once the holes were complete, diluted gum arabic was applied to the ends of the flute to ensure airtightness. The inside was rinsed with water, and the bamboo was polished with shea butter to prevent cracking.
On the second day, students practiced blowing into the instrument and covering the holes to create different notes. Master Sankaré emphasized precision:
“It’s not strength that makes the sound, but the placement of the fingers and control of the breath.”
Results and Takeaways
By the end of the workshop, 16 flutes had been completed. Most participants were able to produce clear notes, though some initially struggled with breath control. However, all showed steady improvement.
This workshop not only transmitted a precise set of technical skills but also raised awareness of the flute’s cultural role—still present in certain ceremonies and often played alongside traditional drums.
The session was very well received, particularly for its hands-on approach and the clarity of instruction provided.
Participants: 19 youth
Instructor: Master Sankaré
Dates: October 18–19, 2024
Location: CFAIT, Diré, Mali
Instruments crafted: 16 Koullou flutes
Materials used: bamboo stalks, heated nails, gum arabic, saw blade, shea butter.
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