Burundi
Hutu-Tutsi-Twa

Wood and eight gut strings
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 99 cm
Chordophone – Trough Zither

The “inanga” (inÄnga) is a trough zither from Burundi and surrounding regions. It is usually played to accompany the performer, who sings their own songs about historical events, personal experiences of everyday incidents, or during rituals. It has eight open strings. The performer rests the inanga vertically across their lap while sitting. They lightly touch the string at certain points and then plucks it to produce harmonics. Tapping on the soundboard with the fingernails produces an added rhythmic element to the music. The sound board has star-shaped incisions, “The Eyes of the “inÄnga” carved under the strings.
In Burundi, the “inÄnga” was traditionally played for the mwamis (tribal chief) of the Burundi as they rested at night. The “inÄnga” was also played to cows, for it was thought that they loved the sound.