SW Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Yaka

Wood, strings, cowrie shells
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 22 inches: Width: 5 inches
Chordophone – Harp – Plucked

Figurative boat-shaped harp by the Yaka People of southwestern DRC. Three strings and wooden pegs are located below the finial effigy carved head. Cowrie shells decorate where the neck extends to the boat-shaped resonator body that is covered with animal skin. All hand-carved from one piece of wood. Shows signs of usage and age.