Ive had this pear shaped gourd for some time so i decided to make my interpretation of the early banza as depicted in "The Old Plantation" painting from the late 18th century. My version is a hybrid of the Haitian Banza and this painting as well as being inspired by banjo makers Pete Ross, Jeff Menzies and Clifton Hicks. To make this i used only the most rudimentary hand tools. Its not quite finished but im hoping to get it singing within the next week.
A friend and I also made a gourd banjo based on the one in that painting. A fun project!