Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea Regions

Fang

Wood, animal skin, bamboo
Mid-Late 19th c 
Resonator Length: 20 in
Chordophone – Harp

This Fang harp called ‘ngombi’ is one of the most sacred objects used by members of Bwiti, a 20th-century religious organization that combines local ritual practices with Western Christianity.   The arching neck is attached to a support and shows holes for eight strings and tuning pegs with three tuning pegs missing. The harp symbolizes the body and voice of Nyingwan Mbege, or Sister of God, and communicates between the living and the dead.  It is hand carved from one piece of wood and the resonating body is covered with leather. The Fang inhabit the hot, humid, equatorial rain forests of Gabon. The majority of Fang are farmers.

Source:   Ngombi (Harp) | Smithsonian Music