Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Mangbetu

Ivory, reptile skin. twine 
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 28 inches
Chordophone – Harp

This Mangbetu arched harp called “Domu” has a beautiful detailed carved ivory head finial at the top. The resonating body is covered with reptile skin with the usually two holes. Five strings and ivory pegs. 

Mangbetu harps have been studied in depth as art objects; their musical use, however, remains largely unexplored. Although they appear in historical photographs from the region, these rarely show the harp being played. As the Mangbetu enthusiasm for carving continued and harps became increasingly figurative, the ability to appropriately string and tune the instruments became increasingly difficult. Before long, the importance of the harp as a musical instrument was replaced by its importance as an art object.