Abstract

This article reports on research that was conducted among the Bakwena at the Molepolole main Kgotla (Tribal Administration Centre or traditional law court) as the chief’s place is known in Setswana (the Tswana language spoken in Botswana) in the Kweneng District of Botswana. The researchers were motivated by the information they gathered during their annual ethnomusicology class excursions to Molepolole. The research focused on the revitalisation and conservation of the traditional use of the lenaka la tholo (Setswana for kudu horn) through observation of its construction and practical performances. Nowadays, young people do not consider practising traditional music. Thus, the researchers found it necessary to embark on the research to revitalise the musical use of the traditional kudu horn. Much as culture is not static, the researchers found this aspect of culture to be relevant to the current life situation of the Bakwena among whom the research was conducted. The aim of the research was to find out what the Bakwena still practise as well as what could be documented for future use and reference about kudu horn blowing. The main reason for conducting this type of research is that performance of the lenaka la tholo is almost obsolete and there is a great need for its revival among the elders and youth of Botswana at large. During their annual visits, the researchers collected data by means of oral interviews, recordings, and observation of practical construction of the instrument and its performances. In carrying out the research, some information was also obtained from different repositories such as books, journals and the internet.

摘要

本文报道了在博茨瓦纳Kweneng区的Setswana（博茨瓦纳所说的茨瓦纳语）在首席大法官的住所，在Molepolole主Kgotla（部落行政中心或传统法院）的Bakwena中进行的研究。研究人员的灵感来自他们在一年一度的民族音乐学课堂游览 Molepolole 期间收集的信息。该研究的重点是振兴和保护lenaka la tholo的传统用途(Setswana for kudu horn) 通过观察它的构造和实际性能。如今，年轻人不再考虑练习传统音乐。因此，研究人员发现有必要开展研究，以振兴传统捻角羚的音乐用途。由于文化不是静态的，研究人员发现文化的这一方面与进行研究的 Bakwena 人的当前生活状况有关。研究的目的是找出 Bakwena 仍然在练习什么，以及可以记录哪些内容以供将来使用和参考有关 kudu 喇叭吹奏的内容。进行此类研究的主要原因是lenaka la tholo博茨瓦纳的老年人和年轻人几乎已经过时，非常需要复兴。在每年的访问期间，研究人员通过口头访谈、录音和观察仪器的实际构造及其性能来收集数据。在进行研究时，一些信息也来自不同的知识库，如书籍、期刊和互联网。