Ivory Coast
Senufo

Wood, hide, metal
Early 20th century
Length: 58 in; Width: 14 in; Depth: 20.5 in; Height w/stand: 54.5 in
Chordophone – Harp – Plucked

A large ritual Senufo harp with a vertical, figural bridge and three thick gut strings. The body is carved from a thick piece of wood and is slightly globular in shape with a cylindrical protrusion/extension near the neck which is carved long. There is a  metal attachment at the top called a nyenmyemo with square shaped jingles. The figure carved to form the bridge is a female, facing toward the nyenmyemo with arms bent and hands on shoulders.  This female bridge figure may refer to the role and power of women within the divination society.  The resonator cover is made from leather attached to the body around the dorsal edges with small wooden stakes.  This wooden harp would be accompanied by drums and used during Senufo funerary ceremonies for exceptional hunters.  

Unlike the ‘Korikaariyae’ used by the Senufo diviners belonging to the Sando association, this Senufo Ritual Harp has a cylindrical protrusion/extension and only three strings.

Resource: Metropolitan Museum of Art