Owner: HWMC
Catalog#: 2AF-CHHP-02
Provenance: The Collection of Carol Warden, Dale Music Company, Bethesda, MD
Harps
Ganda 'Ekidongo' Harp (A)
Uganda
Ganda People
Wood, antelope skin/leather, twine string
Early 20th century
Resonator: Length: 9.875 in; Width: 7.5 in; Depth: 4.5 in
Chordophone – Harp – Plucked
The ‘ekidongo’ is a type of arched harp from Uganda, also known as the ‘adungu’, with varying sizes and string counts. It is played by the Ganda people and numerous other people of Uganda. This ‘ekidongo’ has seven strings that run from a center wooden strip in the center of the resonator body that attaches to tuning pegs along the arched neck. The wooden body with a somewhat flat end is covered with animal hide/leather and the bottom and top hides are connected by multiple lacings. The roots of the arched harp family, like the Burmese ‘saung gauk’, can easily be seen.
Traditionally the ‘ekidongo’ is used by the numerous people in Uganda in small ensembles or to accompany singing, tell stories, and has also become a solo instrument.
Resource: https://asza.com/Instruments/iekidongo.shtml