Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Pende

Wood, leather, calabash, cowrie shells, hair, metal sheet
ca. Early 20th century
Gourd diameter: 10.5 inches
Chordophone – Harp – Plucked with Jingles

African 4-string divination arched harp (ngombi style) of the Eastern Pende people in DRC. Shows much use and patina. Leather pieces with cowrie shells attached to the calabash gourd resonator. Unlike many harps, the skin sound-head is laced on to the gourd, rather than tacked. The neck is also covered with skin and sinew, showing much use.