Democratic Republic of Congo
Mangbetu

Wood, lizard skin, ivory, hemp strings
ca. Late 19th – Early 20th century
Length: 31 inches
Chordophone – Harp

This Mangbetu arched ivory harp has a lizard-covered resonating body of pointed oval shape. The five hemp strings extend from the body to the ebony pegs that laterally pierce the upper part of the arm. The arm is elaborately carved, representing a man (anthropomorphic) holding a basket over his head with an orangutan (zoomorphic) above.