South central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Luba

Wood, metal
Mid 20th Century
Length: 12 inches
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

This kisanji supports a female Luba head as the finial.  The female figural is one of the most common motifs in Luba art and is representation of her status, as the Luba trace descent from the female line.  The face shows elaborate scarification, and her hairstyle indicates she is a woman of wealth and high social rank. 

There are six metal keys (lamellas) mounted on a resonating board with a large U-shape iron bridge.  Depressing the free ends of the keys or tongues with the thumbs produces a gentle ringing sound that is amplified when a hollow gourd is attached to the back. Tuning is accomplished by sliding the tongues in or out in order to change their vibrating length.

This kisanji shows usage and age.