Democratic Republic of Congo
Kusu

Wood, metal
Mid 20th Century
Length: 15.75 in, Width: 5.5 in
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

The Kusu live on the left bank of Lualaba River. During their exodus from the north, they passed through Luba, Hemba and Songye lands where they assimilated social and artistic traditions of these ethnic groups. They recognize a supreme being (Vilie) and share a common belief in the power of the ancestors. They have an initiation society, which is primarily aimed at educating people about the evils of witchcraft, and there are also diviners that are consulted for matters of importance. Kusu art is relatively rare and is highly influenced by the neighboring Luba, Songye, and Hemba.   Info source: Yuri Raskin