African Mangbetu Carved Figural Bow Harp Wood, Leather, Fiber, and Metal. Early 20th century, very good condition for it's age. Mangbetu people, African (Democratic Republic of Congo or Zaire), 20th century. Mangbetu hand carved and polychrome figural bow harp or kundi stringed musical instrument with figural form on neck, man depicted with dotted accents and line work on face. The Zande name for this type of object is kundi, and it appears to have been played by both men and women (P.M. Larken, 1926, "An Account of the Zande", Sudan Notes and Records IX no. 1, p. 104). Evans-Pritchard also discusses the kundi, or large bow-harp, which he says is: "... a true Mbomu instrument - it is particularly favoured by the nobles - although the carved human heads figured on it are ... due to Mangbetu influence" (E.E. Evans-Pritchard, 1971, The Azande, p. 102). Condition: Still has the original strings. One of the tightening pegs has a broken tip. The Leather has no damage, nor does the wood body. The carved wooden figure itself does have some aging and cracking towards the top. There are some very small white paint spots on the underside of the main body of the instrument. Measurements: Approx. 16" tall, 19" long, and 6 1/2" wide. Very delicate - will be professionally packed and shipped. Will consider offers.
