Democratic Republic of Congo
Zande (Azande)

Wood, bamboo, rattan
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 22 in; Width: 7.25 in; Depth: 3 in
Idiophone – Lamellophones – Plucked

Both vocal and instrumental music, as well as dance, played a significant cultural role in the lives of the Zande (Azande) people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Instruments such a sanzas (lamellophones) and harps accompanied social and non-formal events, such as simply singing for personal entertainment.  This anthropomorphic shape sanza consists of five (5) bamboo keys (lamellas) positioned over a sound box.  The hands and legs are jutting out from the body of the instrument with arms above the head as if in dancing.  This sanza shows age, patina, and usage.