Central Tanzania
Wagogo (Gogo)

Wood, string, reptile skin, metal
ca. Mid-Late 20th century
Length: 26.25 in; Diameter: 4 in; Depth: 7.5 in; Bow length: 20.75 in
Chordophone – Lute – Spiked

This Wagogo (Gogo) wooden spike fiddle, with a gourd, a reptile resonator, and wooden tuning pegs, is called a zeze (izeze).  It comes from the Dodoma region of central Tanzania.  There are 4 metal strings, and the top 3 pegs are decorated with blue fiber string. The bow, which is included, is also made using the same blue string.  As shown in the picture of the bridge, the fourth string serves as a drone string.  The reptile skin is attached to the gourd using small nails, and an angular bridge rests on top of the skin. Halfway up the neck is a metal hook, possibly for hanging the bow when not in use, and at the top of the neck is more blue string strung through a hole for hanging. Also at the top of the neck is the name “J. ZAWOSE” and on the opposite side, a signature.  This appears to be the signature of Hukwe Ubi Zawose.  Dr. Hukwe Zawose is possibly Tanzania’s greatest musical treasure.  By the mid-80’s, Zawose and son were touring outside Africa and at the end of the decade with the Master Musicians, he released Art of Hukwe Ubi Zawose in Japan, a record that brought him to the attention of world music enthusiasts.