Colombian Caribbean marimba de pierna: preserving the sounds of the guazuma tree

Abstract

The marimba de pierna (leg marimba) is a traditional musical instrument found in the southern region of the department of Atlántico, Colombia, specifically in the municipality of Santa Lucía. Blending indigenous and African traditions, its exact origins are uncertain. Along with other musical instruments from the Colombian Caribbean region, the marimba de pierna was widely used in the aforementioned municipality, but its execution began to decline with the advent of electricity in the population. More recently, the phenomenon of globalisation has impacted negatively on the conservation of indigenous traditions of many peoples. In the case of the marimba de pierna, it has become less and less interpreted, with only a few families still manufacturing and playing it. This paper presents the results of a research study of this endangered instrument, highlighting its social function, organological structure and repertoire in the hope of contributing to the dissemination and reactivation of this instrument.