Aslatua: Master Series

The Difference between Standard and Master Series Asaltua
– Standard Aslatua use thinner rope and have pebbles/stones inside.
– Master Series Aslatua use thicker rope and have seeds inside. They are generally brighter in sound than the Standard Aslatua.
** Please note – the pod finish/aesthetic can vary for both styles of Aslatua. Pods can come in a range of colours/ have different patterns depending on many factors including their age, time of harvest. The pod colour does not in any way define whether the Aslatua are Standard or Master Series.

Finding the Right Size For You

On average, the correct string length will be found by taking the width of your palm at the base of the fingers and adding 1cm. Pod size is a more personal factor. Smaller pods are quieter and more shimmery in sound. They’re also better suited to small hands. Bigger pods have a more percussive sound and are best suited to those with large hands. Medium pods have a nice balance between comfort and volume. If you’re uncertain, feel free to provide your palm measurements and hand size in the comments section of the order and we will do our best to choose the perfect aslatua for you.
All sizes available. For large pods, only the medium and large strings are available

Pronounced “us-la-twa”, this simple and unique traditional instrument (also known as asalato, kashaka, cascas, televi, kasso-kassoni) originates from Ghana. Each pod is a gourd from the Swawa tree. When the gourds dry and fall off the tree, children collect them then give them to elders who hollow and fill them with orange pebbles from the iron-rich soil of the Sahel.

Aslatua are played by holding and shaking one gourd in the palm while swinging the second gourd around, creating both sandy shaking sounds and percussive clicks when the two connect. They are typically played in pairs (one in each hand) and are capable of producing complex polyrhythms.