Other · Essaouira, Marrakech

Guembri (Gnawa Bass Lute)

Three-stringed bass lute with a carved wooden body covered in camel or goatskin. The signature instrument of Gnawa spiritual music.

History & Cultural Context

The guembri (also sintir or hajhouj) is the spiritual and musical backbone of Gnawa tradition, which traces its roots to sub-Saharan Africa. In Gnawa ceremonies (lilas), the maâlem (master musician) plays the guembri to invoke spiritual entities. Essaouira's annual Gnawa Festival has brought international recognition.

Materials

Carved hardwood bodyHollowed from a single log, typically walnut
Camel or goatskinStretched over the resonating body
Gut stringsThree bass strings, traditionally goat gut

Production Techniques

Body carvingTraditional
Single log hollowed and shaped by hand
Skin stretchingTraditional
Animal skin stretched and tacked over the resonating chamber

Production Notes

Body carved from a single log (typically walnut or mahogany), hollowed out and covered with stretched camel or goatskin. Three strings made from gut. Neck extends from the body. Decorated with metal rings and cowrie shells. A quality guembri takes 2–4 weeks.

Quality Indicators

Quality

Deep, resonant bass toneSmooth, well-carved neck

Red Flags

Thin skin that tears easily

Price Ranges

Budget200 – 500 MAD(~$20 – $50)

Small decorative, not fully playable

Mid-range500 – 1500 MAD(~$50 – $150)

Standard size, playable, good tone

Premium1500 – 4000 MAD(~$150 – $400)

Professional quality, exceptional wood and skin, master builder

Luxury4000 – 10000 MAD(~$400 – $1000)

Master maâlem instrument, decorated, performance quality