Making a Musical Bow

The Nubian people of Sudan in Africa make and play a bow that gives two tones. The sound made by the vibrating strings is made louder by holding the bow against a hollow dried gourd. You can make your own musical bow and then experiment to get the sounds you like.

Materials

large (about 1 meter long) curved tree branch or wood dowel that can be curved

fishing line or dental floss

scissors

cylindrical cardboard box (such as from oatmeal) open at one end

Procedure

Cut a piece of fishing line or floss about 1.5 m long. Tie one end to an end of the tree branch.
Ask a partner to hold the branch while you tie the other end of the string to the free end of the branch. Pull the string as tightly as you can while you knot it.
Tie another string from the ends of your bow down to the center of the bow.
Place the cardboard box on its side on the floor between your feet. Rest one end of the bow on the box and hold the other end against your body.
Pluck the strings on the bow to make music. If the strings seem too loose, press them against the bow with your finger. You can change the pitch of the notes that way.

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