Here is a start to the history thread.Anyone familiar with this term ""Umakweyana."?

Isn't it an African one string instrument?

Yeah, i think so. Here's a picture: http://www.sablues.org/feature/umakweyana.jpg

Yes and it is considered to be one of the "parent" influences for the later development of the slide style of guitar playing.

Is it the same as the diddley bow?