Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Mangbetu

Wood, Leather, Copper
ca. Mid-20th century
Neck Length: 29.75 inches; Body Length: 25.25 inches
Chordophone – Harp

This anthropomorphic harp called “domu” comes from the Mangbetu peoples who live in the north eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formally Zaire). These harps function as a five string musical instrument but also are used in religious and secular ceremonial court functions. They are considered a “prestige object” (see The Tribal Arts Of Africa by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, pp 140,143).

This complex instrument is made from wood, animal skin, copper buttons, and tightly woven copper wire. The double headed anthropomorphic form harp represents Queen Nenzima and King Yangala. It is believed that after their death, this style harp declined or disappeared. The elongated heads are distinctive of the Mangbetu and probably are an influence of the ancient Egyptians that traveled south into the Sudan thousands of years ago. The resonator is covered with leather, that leads to the neck of the harp, in the form of the legs supporting the elongated torso that is framed by slender arms.