Weathered Kantele
A slab of cedar found at a sawmill was made into this five-string kantele by Gerry Henkel. The slab was hollowed out with a chainsaw device attached to a grinder, and with curved chisels. Then a resonant top piece was glued to the hollowed out slab, and black walnut was cut and shaped for the peg and the ponsi ends. Some natural wood filler was used to fill cracks that developed when the slab was being worked on. The surface of the wood was sealed with lacquer.
Kantele
Such a simple instrument. Five strings; a wooden box.
Yet it speaks in ways a piano never could. People have
listened to it for thousands of years and not gotten tired
of its gentle song. It is the haiku of harps; a whisper in a
world that shouts. The first time I held one, I knew. If I
listen well enough, it could teach me what I need to know.
two-inch waterfall
one leaf
changes everything
The above haibun “Kantele” was written (and ©) by Rick Tarquinio who is a full-time dad, part-time musician and occasional haiku poet. He lives in Southern New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Bottom of kantele
Top of kantele
Ponsi end of kantele
Peg end of kantele