Ethiopia
Ethiopian

Wood, fiber, skin
19th Century
Length: 50 inches
Chordophone – Lyre – Plucked

The begena (or bguna, as in French) is an Ethiopian and Eritrean string instrument that is known as a large lyre. The begena was used primarily as an accompaniment during meditation and prayer.  Though commonly played in the home, it is sometimes played during festive occasions.  Museum accession report states this Ethiopian Begena  was collected by Quaker missionaries in Kenya during the 1920’s.