Lake Tanganyika region of southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo Tanganyika
Tabwa

Wood, string
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 22 inches; Width: 6 inches; Depth: 3 inches
Chordophone – Lute

Lutes and other stringed instruments are among the important art forms in Africa, used both as musical instrument and as a work of sculpture that is significant in many religious and secular ceremonial functions, including dance, rituals, and storytelling.  The new Tabwa rulers looked to ancestry to legitimize their right to lead, invoking  a chiefly lineage through sculptural representations of royal predecessors.   

This Tabwa lute made of wood, has three strings and an elevated resonator covered in leather on top. The leather cover over the wooden resonator is attached by wooden pegs.