Tanzania
Nyamwezi

Wood, strings
ca. Mid-20th century
Height: 28 inches; Width 11 inches; Depth 3 inches
Chordophone – Zither – Board

This board zither comes from the largest ethnic agrarian group in north-central Tanzania, the Nyamwezi People. The term Nyamwezi is of Swahili origin and translates as “Men of the Moon” or “Men of the West.” They are organized into villages, supporting small chiefdoms, as ancestors and chiefs have been of considerable importance in the belief system and socio-political structure of the Nyamwezi. Most of their art relates to these themes, as shown in this anthropomorphic figure with elongated body and arms and circular inset bead eyes. It is carved from heavy wood with a shiny patina from usage and has five strings.