Nubian people, Northern Sudan
Sudan

Wood, beads, coins, glass, shells, fiber, metal, calabash, leather
ca. late 19thc – early 20th c
Length: 35 inches x Width: 33 inches
Chordophone – Lyre – Plucked

Northern kissar lyres are often played for dance, weddings, and by spirit healers, at ceremonies associated with the cults collectively referred to as “Zar” in Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. These cults were aimed at calming the restless spirits from within. Shows signs of usage and age.