Democratic Republic of Congo
Songye

Wood, metal
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 36 inches
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

This Songye ancestral likembe (sanza) associated with the Kiefwebe Society shows much usage and age. The sounds created when played are credited with magical powers when used as a ritual instrument, playing a very important symbolic role as a sacred object. The Songye are a Bantu ethnic group from central DRC.  There are eight (8) metal keys with pentatonic tuning.