Cameroon
Gbaya

Wood, metal, rattan
Mid 20th Century
Height: 19 in, Width: 5.5 in, Depth: 3.25 in
Idiophone – Lamellophones – Plucked

An anthropomorphic sanza from the Gbaya (Gbeya or Baya) people of the western region of Central African Republic, east-central Cameroon, the north of the Republic of Congo, and the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Gbaya are mainly agriculturalists growing maize, cassava, yams, peanuts, tobacco, coffee, and rice.  Many are Christians, though the cultural ritual society known as ‘dua’ (witchcraft) is still practiced. This figural sanza with a high coiffure has nine (9) bamboo tines (keys) attached by rattan over two wood bridges, to a carved wooden resonator. Geometric carvings trim the front of the resonator that is supported on the bottom with two triangle shaped posts for feet.  Shows signs of age and usage.