Mangbetu, Bow Harp

78 cm (2' 7"), Zaire-Sudan

The settlement area of the Mangbetu extends from northeastern Zaire to the border with Sudan and into the Central African Republic. Their artistic activity finds expression in various areas, from everyday objects to cultic items and instruments, such as the bow harp shown here. It is an extraordinary specimen: The resonator part is cylindrical in shape and, unusually, covered not with snake or monitor lizard skin, but probably with antelope skin, which is stretched over the carved wooden part and fastened with decorative nails. The curved string holder terminates in a characteristic Mangbetu head. Eight strings run from the resonator to the string holder. The string holder is attached with rattan and is mounted in an extended part of the resonator, the end of which is adorned with a round brass part and a decorative nail.
Collection: G.F. Vesely, AT

Estimate: € 2500 - 3500