Cameroon
Bamileke

Wood, fiber rope
Mid-Late 20th Century
Length: 16.125 in, Width: 2.75 in
Idiophone – Rasp – Scraped

This Bamileke rasp is carved from a single piece of wood.  The resonator tube alludes to a long slim anthropomorphic body. The head is stylized showing circular eyes and the resonator body is incised with deep ridges encircling the body with an opening in the back.  This sculptured instrument has a wooden ring used to rubbed across the ribbed “stomach” in a rhythmic fashion when played. This rasp possible was made for the art market.