Harp (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Mangbetu
wood, reptile skin, glass beads, string
Place Made,Democratic Republic of Congo
Overall: 18 × 15 × 4 3/4 in. (45.72 × 38.1 × 12.07 cm)
80.14
This elegant instrument was used by Mangbetu bards to accompany songs and recitation of epic poetry at the royal court. The woman’s elongated head reflects the Mangbetu practice of binding a child’s head to achieve a more beautiful form.
Kathleen Boone Samuels Memorial Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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