The jeli ngoni (also djeli n`goni, pronounced like jelly, then nn-GO-nee) is a traditional Mande instrument, a lute played by the jelis. It consists of a hollow body with goat skin covering (like a drum) with a fretless fingerboard and four to seven fish-line strings, strung over a bridge and tensioned by leather straps. The djeli ngoni is likely the ancestor of the modern-day banjo, and is still very popular today in traditional and modern Mande music. These instruments are built to professional standards in Mali and Guinea.It has a solid, hand-carved hardwood body, and is 15-18 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
