African Harp

Mangbetu, Republican of the Congo
Second half of the XX Century

Total height: cm 48,5
Maximum depth: cm 61
Weight: kg 0,9
No. of strings: 5
Materials: wood e leather

Once again we are in the Republic of the Congo. The soundbox is made from a frame which has two pieces of leather sewn around it. The wooden neck is divided into two sections and engraved with male figures, positioned at a 90˚ angle which are secured by a leather fastening. Traditionally, this kind of harp has five strings and it is linked to the manufacturing area of Mangbetu in the region of the river Uele in the Republic of Northern Congo around 1960-70s. A main feature of this harp is the original leather support strap which holds the harp around the musician’s neck.

Collection